Sainte Barae – Power + Control
The brilliant Australian artist Saint Barae returns with an intimate and nostalgic offering through his latest single ‘Power + Control’.
In a raw and empowering message behind the song, Saint Barae begins to open up as he takes us into a very personal and intimate tale of handling his sexuality with the people that mean the most to him.
Sounds Like: Téléphonik Muzik, Tame Impala
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Die Orangen – Sonne
Since listening to Die Orangen‘s single, ‘Sonne’, we’ve become slightly obsessed with their psychdelia approach to industrial sounds.
Having originally forged their partnership in the diverse electronic music scene of Australia, Kris Baha and Angus Gruzman recently decamped to the thriving Berlin scene to develop their dark and pulsing industrial-inspired productions.
Pre-Order it on Apple Music
Sounds like: Nine Inch Nails, My Bloody Valentine, The Chemical Brothers
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Somebody’s Child – Jungle
Irish-born, indie artist, Somebody’s Child returns his frenetic new single ‘Jungle’.
Usng music as a platform to discuss topics of mental health, ‘Jungle’ is a nervous yet honest display of indelible guitar riffs and beautifully coarse vocals.
Sounds like: Foals, Mystery Jets, Arctic Monkeys
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Royal Cinema – CHA-CHING
These ladies are having a fun time, and we want to be involved.
Royal Cinema was formed by longtime friends Johanna Cranitch, Isaac Carpenter and Sydney Wayser who, having spent years playing in their own solo projects and in other various touring bands such as The Cranberries, LORDE and Awolnation, decided they wanted an additional musical outlet where they could let loose and have fun.
Their new single is ‘CHA-CHING’ – a self-produced, pulsing pop track.
Sounds like: B52s, Goldfrapp, Sofi Tukker
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Tessa Dixson – Hiding
Tessa Dixson is back with another bittersweet single, in the form os ‘Hiding’.
Once again produced by Reinhard Vanbergen and mixed by Neil Comber (M.I.A., Charli XCX) is a silky and bittersweet affair.
Tessa’s torn but soulful voice is high up in the mix, locking you in from the first verse. The chorus is huge, there’s a sitar hook and warm backing vocals guiding you through the raw emotions of the song.
Sounds like: The xx, Kllo, Grace Carter, Lorde, Billie Eilish
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HÅN – It’s Better When I Sleep
Taking more of a The Japanese House vibe, HÂN shares the dreamy new single, ‘It’s Better When I Sleep’.
Considering the topic of sleeping, simply as it is – a necessary process that is both “intimate and reassuring, but also imaginary and illusionary”.
Take shelter and listen now.
Sounds like: Daughter, Skott, The Japanese House
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Aaricia – For Two
The darker shades of pop music have risen to the top of the pile of late, with artists like Banks consistently enthralling a captivated audience and Billie Eilish sensationalism reaching much of the world. Aiming for a slice of that pie is Montreal’s Aaricia, who balances her darker ethos with a soaring, honeyed vocal.
Her new single is equal parts sugar and spice, with Aaricia outlining ‘For Two’ is about desire and fantasy. It’s about that one person you can’t resist. You can try to play it cool but, in the end, you know you’ll succumb to temptation.
Sounds like: Liyv, CLAVVS, Charlee Remitz, Tessa Rae
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archmotors – Sitcom
From the west coast of Ireland comes a distinct blend of alternative rock and post-punk that simultaneously rides a wave of nostalgia whilst sitting ahead of the contemporary curve. archmotors, a duo with prowess and skill that extends far beyond their meagre membership, second single to date ‘Sitcom’ is darkly humorous in the most compelling way.
Fans of older video games will be charmed by the ‘point and click’ style video accompaniment – a perfect pairing, tune in below.
Sounds like: The National
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Tommy Newport – On Top
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Talented multi-instrumentalist Tommy Newport shares ‘On Top’, ahead of his debut album, ‘Just To Be Ironic’, out on 16 November.
It’s a funky track through and through – intricately laced harmonies, pulsating beats and dreamy delicate guitar riffs – giving anyone that listens to it that urge to get up and dance.
Sounds like: Arctic Monkeys, Tom Odell
Tommy Newport – Mr. Angel
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Meet Tommy Newport.
His new single ‘Mr. Angel’ is a joyful groove with a darker side, for the love interest of the song, Mr. Angel, is not a person, it’s the fix the protagonist can’t get away from.
Offering a slight taste of Alex Turner, Newport’s brassy vocals in the track are laced with a generous piano melody, with delicate strings.
It is taken from his upcoming debut album, ‘Just to Be Ironic’, coming soon.
Sounds like: Arctic Monkeys, Tom Odell
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Francis Novotny – The Wire
Sonic production leads the way for Francis Novotny‘s new single ‘The Wire’.
It’s a brooding, electro-soul song by the Swedish multi-instrumentalist that is extremely reminiscent of Jack Garratt or Asgeir, and captures that addictive quality of a nonetheless-toxic relationship, and the feeling (says Francis) “when a person leaves you hanging on without answers – and you know you should get out of it – but you keep winding back towards them.”
It’s out now on Black Butter Records.
Sounds like: Jack Garratt, Asgeir
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Dead Sea – Know Where
Dead Sea is a four-piece French band who craft dreamy and magnetic post-pop songs.
Their new release, ‘Know Where’, does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s hypnotic and joyfully melancholic.
They’ve just been on tour with Slowdive and they will support Editors next April.
Sounds like: Beach House, Slowdive
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Two Legs – Don’t Tell
One thing we are certain about is our dislike towards uncertainty, and it seems UK artist Two Legs feels the same.
His wistful dance single ‘Don’t Tell’ is the first of three releases this year, and has a “give a fuck” mentality that we love.
Sounds like: SAMA, Moderat, Tycho, Joe Goddard
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KUZO – Monsoon
Los Angeles-based duo KUZO are back with their new single, ‘Monsoon’.
Blissful and cool as ever, KUZO once again deliver a combination of emotionally driven blends of sound and sultry tones.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa, EZA, Paperwhite
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7Chariot – Danger In Me
We are super excited about the new signing to 0E0E (pronounced: naughty naughty) called 7Chariot (aka Nashville based 20 year old Claire Wilkinson).
‘Danger In Me’ is understated, yet ambitious pop at its best, and the lyrics are something we can all relate to.
Sounds like: Mallrat, Grimes, Lorde, Sylvan Esso, MØ
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The Rare Occasions – Mercy Mercy
It’s not often we see decent indie rock coming out of the US, and we wouldn’t blame you for thinking this foursome going by the name of The Rare Occasions is British.
Their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ is pure garage rock – rough around the edges, but fully refreshing to see due to the saturated market of pristine pop tunes.
Sounds like: YONAKA, Arctic Monkeys
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Suzi Island – Show Me The Way
Young Brighton duo Suzi Island debuts ‘Show Me The Way’, a breezy and catchy indie pop number.
These two have already managed to get some decent names onboard, including Pete from The Vaccines, who produced the song. They are definitely on our watch list for 2018.
Sounds like: Nothing But Thieves, Sundara Karma
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Glassio – Back For More
NYC-based duo Glassio share ‘Back For More’, a song for anytime of the day!
Built on an orchestral-electronic backbone that nods to the likes of Massive Attack and Air, the pining, heartsick anthem is a penned love letter to a paramour after a strained relationship has come to a close.
Sounds like: Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
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High Hazels – Days Of No One
BBC 6 favourite, breezy indie band High Hazels share their new single ‘Days Of No One’.
Fighting an ever-losing battle of love and being lonely, lead singer James admits that despite the conflicting themes in their music, he is a fan of people; “Weirdly that’s why I think loneliness pops up in our music quite a lot, I suppose it’s more the fear of it.”
Sounds like: The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Richard Hawley, The Coral, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine
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Cape Cub – Come Around
Creating honest, real and emotive music is Cape Cub‘s forte. It seems to be in his blood.
His new single – out today on LAB Records – is called ‘Come Around’ and is a highly thought-provoking song about losing a loved one.
Sounds like: Foals, Passenger, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Tep No, Brandon Flowers, Death Cab for Cutie, Temper Trap,
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Captain Kidd – Bleed
There is a bit of a Drake vibe going on in Captain Kidd‘s new single ‘Bleed’ and we are digging it.
A perfect blend of blissed-out, nostalgic indie with modern pop. Listen below.
Sounds like: RÜFÜS, SAMA
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Bishat – Unholy Romance
Swedish alt-pop artist Bishat shares the intriguing ‘Unholy Romance’.
It has an intense and destructive undertone and was written in collaboration with producer Damian Ardestani (aka XOV) on a freezing day just outside of Stockholm.
Sounds like: The Weeknd, Robyn, LKA, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, July Child, Nao, Lorde
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LMBO – Fake It
Classically trained multi-instrumentalist school friends and singer LMBO releases debut single ‘Fake It’.
Music to match a soundtrack, the melodies effortlessly tip toe between the light and dark.
Sounds like: Hellogoodbye, Owl City, Hotel Garuda
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Everything Everything – Can’t Do
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The Everything Everything boys are encouraging you to dance with the brilliant ‘Can’t Do’.
A sound and look we’ve come to expect from the Manchester quartet – synth-driven pop of a cinematic nature with addictive hooks. The video depicts the need to try to fit into what society deems as “normal”.
“Can’t Do” is about trying to bend to the world and fit into it. Nobody is normal, nobody knows what normal is. ‘I can’t do the thing you want’ – we don’t care we just want you to dance.” Jonathan Higgs
It’s the first track to be taken from their forthcoming new album ‘A Fever Dream’ which has been produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Depeche Mode), out 18 August on RCA Records.
Sounds like: Editors, Dutch Uncles, Foals, White Lies, Dutch, Wild Beasts
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YONAKA – Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya
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Whilst watching YONAKA perform at The Great Escape this year, we decided that the band should best described as follows;
“If Gwen Stefani, Pat Benatar, Karen O and Charli XCX had a late night jamming session and Arctic Monkeys turned up with some cocaine, the end result would probably be YONAKA”
The Brighton locals’ latest single, ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya’ sums up this analogy, and has been produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys).
Sounds like: Gwen Stefani, Pat Benatar, Charli XCX, Karen O, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Drenge
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An Indietronica Preview of Wildlife Festival 2017
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Wildlife Festival returns for its third year at Shoreham Airport. Headed up by Disclosure and Black Butter Records, expect this be the most fun year yet, not just because you now have an excuse to take the Friday off, but because the line up is quite simply awesome.
We’ve picked out our favourites, so you don’t have to. Check them out below.
ANNE-MARIE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June
Essex-born artist, Anne-Marie, has had numerous hits over the last couple of years. With her sweet vocals (she performed in Les Miserables when she was younger) and urban swagger, we expect her performance to be very special indeed.
Sounds like: Zara Larsson, K-Stewart, Kiiara, Mabel
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CLEAN BANDIT
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June
We’ve been following Cambridge collective, Clean Bandit since they began, so it’s with great excitement that we see them playing the big stage Wildlife Festival this year.
They have gone from strength to strength with their collaborations, including a couple of other Wildlife artists.
Sounds like: RAC, AlunaGeorge, Disclosure, Bondax
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DISCLOSURE
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.
Reigate brothers, Disclosure, are running the show at Widlife.
Citing a range of influences from classical, rock, funk and soul, their sound is a forward thinking amalgamation of the aforementioned genres.
They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.
Sounds like: MNEK, Sam Smith, Gorgon City
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JESS GLYNNE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June
Was ‘Hold My Hand’ the best song of 2015? Quite possibly, but regardless, it was definitely the song that put Jess Glynne on the global map, with a number of remixes secured with some key contenders in the dance industry.
With her stunning vocal tone and energy, Jess will be headlining the festival on Friday. Bring it on!
Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson
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JOE GODDARD
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June
Fresh off the release of his album, ‘Electric Lines’ (out on Greco-Roman/Domino Records), UK producer Joe Goddard is set to play Wildlife Festival.
Joe Goddard is the founder member of electronic legends Hot Chip and ½ of DJ duo The 2 Bears, so expect a stellar performance in a similar vein!
Sounds like: Roosevelt, Hot Chip, The xx, Four Tet, Caribou, Jamie XX
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LIV DAWSON
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June
Lovely Londoner, Liv Dawson, is one of our favourite newcomers from 2016.
The sound and emotional depth of the late teen prove that she is undeniably wise and confident beyond her years, and it’s therefore no wonder that she’s been picked to play Wildlife amongst such other great acts.
Sounds like: Beyonce, Banks, Jorja Smith
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MURA MASA
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June
Electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan is Mura Masa.
He has a huge fan base (most, if not all of his singles have been used in various clothing adverts) and he is renowned for his glitchy production that incorporates Asian instruments, as well as incredible live shows.
Sounds like: Flume, Cashmere Cat, SBTRKT, FØRTE, The Knife
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RAYE
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June
BRIT School attendee and South Londoner, RAYE, has been making waves with her unique take on R&B.
RAYE has received support from the likes of Years & Years, Charli XCX and Jonas Blue.
Sounds like: Years & Years, Louisa Johnson, Jess Glynne
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RUDIMENTAL
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.
With a knack for choosing great vocalists, Rudimental are known for their bold, bassy and brassy sounds. In a massive contradiction to their name choice, this four-piece are anything basic.
They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.
Sounds like: Alex Clare, John Newman, Will Heard, MNEK, NIMMO, Leo Stannard, Oli Hannaford
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SHY LUV
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June
Shy Luv is the project of Manchester based Karma Kid and Armeria.
‘Time’ follows on from their ‘Shock Horror’ EP, but it’s live where the duo showcase their diverse range of influences including LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy and Friendly Fires.
Sounds like: Honne, Disclosure, Tame Impala, Hot Chip, Jagwar Ma, SG Lewis, LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy, Friendly Fires
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ZARA LARSSON
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June
It doesn’t seem that long ago since social activist and Swedish electro-pop singer, Zara Larsson hit our screens with the video for ‘Lush Life’.
She later teamed up with MNEK for ‘Never Forget You’, and is now set to get the crowds pumped on the Wildlife Stage.
Sounds like: Rihanna, Tove Lo, Dua Lipa
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TICKETS AND MORE INFO FROM THE Wildlife Festival WEBSITE.
High Hazels – Joined At the Lip
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High Hazels
Sheffield dream pop four-piece High Hazels recently released new track, ‘Joined At The Lip’.
While the swirling guitars and reverb-heavy vocals are sure to remind listeners of bands such as Beach House, Cocteau Twins, and My Bloody Valentine, High Hazels structure ‘Joined At The Lip’ in a way that should capture quite a great deal of attention.
As the song opens, frontman James Leesley croons, “In the backwaters of my bloodstreams nightmares play their violins every night for me.” It is an unsettling statement that is revealed in a chillingly relatable way, given how relaxed his vocal stylings are. According to Leesley, Scott Walker was a big influence on his vocals for the song. “I remember Scott Walker being played a lot around the time of writing ‘Joined At The Lip’ before practices, in the car and stuff – and the way he delivers his voice really got to us,” Leesley said. “That’s how the opening melody came about, really.”
The rest of the band isn’t slacking either. The bass of Paul Barlow is bouncy but has an air of tension to it as well. Drummer Anthony Barlow paces his percussion nicely, particularly with snare hits in the outro. Meanwhile, the guitar contributions of Leesley and Scott Howes are both melodic and intense all the same. This is the kind of song that once first glance seems ideal for drifting off to sleep. However, once it kicks into gear, it doesn’t let up.
High Hazels aren’t completely new to the music landscape, but they aren’t completely known yet. Their self-titled debut was released in 2014 and received very positive attention. The BBC was a fan of theirs early on, playing their music on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music when the only things they had recorded were demos and they hadn’t played a single show.
They also released the ‘Valencia’ EP last year to positive notices. A new EP will be following their single release of ‘Joined At The Lip’ early next year.
On December 17, they will be playing a hometown show at the Leadmill in Sheffield. Tickets available here.
Sounds like: The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Richard Hawley, The Coral, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine
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Words by Brad Johnson
The Born Love – Tempest
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The Born Love
Debuting their first single, The Born Love share ‘Tempest’.
Comparing themselves to The Temper Trap and Kings of Leon may seem like a slightly cavalier approach, but what’s the point if you don’t aim high? And in this case, the resemblance is just.
‘Tempest’ has the flavourings of an electronic track, but with the additional rocky drums, and an all indie inspiring chorus.
The track was written by Kevin and Aron (BANKS, Halsey) of the band, and has been mastered by Brian Lucey (The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys) in Los Angeles.
Sounds like: The Temper Trap, Kings of Leon, Foreign Air, Portugal. The Man
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