Tag Archives: Ásgeir

Playlist: Mogli

Mogli by Giulia Delay

Mogli by Giulia Delay

German-based singer-songwriter and all around creative Mogli has just released the 5th episode of her 10 part-film, taken from her forthcoming cinematic album ‘RAVAGE’.

Called ‘Aftermath,’ the new episode begins with Mogli and her male counterpart forced to hard manual labour after being captured by a local gang of people. The episode details how Mogli finds the inner strength to escape from the gang, a metaphor for her breaking out of her toxic relationship. 

It’s a theme that runs throughout her forthcoming cinematic album ‘RAVAGE’, and to celebrate we’ve asked her to put together a playlist to celebrate its release.

You can listen to the playlist below:

Emilie Nicholas – Wild one

I love how Emilie is super blunt with her lyrics in this song, very inspiring that she says what she thinks

Ex:Re – Where The Time Went

I remember listening to this song on repeat while suffering from depression. Sad songs make me happy, that’s something you can hear in my album RAVAGE.

Billie Eilish – when the party’s over

The vocal production and singing are so very nuanced and on point here… when I recorded my album I wanted every little note to be purposeful so I love this.

Sylvan Esso – Uncatena

Sylvan Esso opened up a whole new genre for me merging pop and electronic music in a really cool way

Phoebe Bridgers – You Missed My Heart

Who can transform sadness into songs better than phoebe bridgers? Love love love the vibe of this song

Florence + The Machine – Sky Full Of Song

In this song the singing matches the lyrics so well! Florence is singing at the top of her lungs as if she was screaming, very cool.

ÄTNA – Bond

I adore german band Ätna for their complex yet catchy music

Missincat & Robot Koch – Made of Stone

This is such a beautiful fusion of organic and digital sounds it feels grounded yet ethereal

Bon Iver – Blindsided

Old but gold this song is in a way so small but the drum gives it drive, I love this combination

Ásgeir – Að Grafa Sig í Fönn

first song that moves me so deeply even though I understand the words. I strive for melodies that have intention so this was a beautiful experience for me.

Watch the ‘Aftermath’ video below:

Sounds like: Phoebe Bridgers, Ex:Re, IDER, Daughter, Birdy, RHYE

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St. South – Growing Up

St. South

St. South is the moniker for Australian singer-songwriter-producer-multi-instrumentalist Olivia Gavranich.

She is known for creating blissful, nuanced and soulful electro on her own terms. Taken from her debut full-length album ‘Get Well Soon’, the visuals for ‘Growing Up’ refine the simplicity of life, out there in the world.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Tusks, Haux, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Henry Green

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Sea Girls – Do You Really Wanna Know?

Sea Girls - Do You Really Wanna Know?

Quite possibly their most commercial (and arguably most catchy) release to date, ‘Do You Really Wanna Know?’ is a beacon of hope during these anxiety-inducing days.

Expect their emotionally charged, deeply personal, hook-laden debut album ‘Open Up Your Head’ to be released on 14 August via Polydor.

Sounds like: Marsicans, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma

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Ayelle – Fast Life

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Rising R&B artist Ayelle returns with ‘Fast Life’; a lesson in self-care, especially important during these trying times.

Part of the lesson includes yoga, drinking tea. as Ayelle explains, “…making time for yourself to slow down and conquer fomo“. Listen below.

Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, Tove Lo

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Kidsmoke – The Bluest You

Kidsmoke

Welsh Indie-pop quartet Kidsmoke releases the hypnotizing new single ‘The Bluest You’ on Libertino Records.

With a sensational and emotional build, the track picks apart the impact of mental health on loved ones, taking a more sombre tone than previous releases.

Sounds like: Boy Azooga, Penelope Isles, Swimming Tapes

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LU KALA – Want You

LU KALA - Want You

Pop-powerhouse and rebel LU KALA returns with her empowering new single ‘Want You,’ co-written and produced by Terrence Lam (Drake/Rihanna, Alessia Cara, Kaskade, Meghan Trainor).

Paving the way for female strength, she is ready to face herself when it comes to self-sabotage. Are you ready too?

Sounds like: Tones & I, Paloma Faith, Duffy, Macy Gray, Vera Blue, Thelma Plum, Ava Max

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pluko x Panama – higher

pluko

Bedroom producer-turned main stage act, 19-year-old pluko teams up with Australian vocalist Panama for a lush indie electronic single, ‘higher’.

Amassed glistening synth-work, ethereal vocal work, and a steady, rhythmic drum beat, this is is a treat for the ears.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Ásgeir

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CLUBHOUSE – Weekend

Clubhouse

Who cares if it’s not shining right now, because it is sure as hell shining wherever these five go.

The release of ‘Weekend’ – a jazzy summer bop that creatively balances simplicity and swagger – kicks off the summer for rising pop band CLUBHOUSE.

Sounds like: Surfaces, Peach Tree Rascals, Tom Misch, Yakul, Easy Life, Still Woozy

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Solomon Grey – Interstate 695

Solomon Grey

London based electronic duo Solomon Grey returns with the breathtaking new single called ‘Interstate 695’, showcasing the first in a selection of new works culminating in the forthcoming EP ‘Music For Picture: Vol. I (Parallels)’ released on 27 March.

Soundtrack ready, the new single is dynamic, an ethereal track with bold analogue synths, pulsing drums, wide strings and other orchestral score elements. Inspiration for the song came from Solomon Grey’s soundtrack work, in their words “we played with the idea of watching films of our childhood. Inspired by our youth and looking at it from where we are now. What did that innocence mean to us now, and how would we score it.”

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

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BAILE – Leave Me feat. Kauf

BAILE - Leave Me feat. Kauf

In a perfect musical match, depressive house electronic producer, BAILE (aka Reed Kackley) teams up with Los Angeles-based vocalist, Kauf, who is best known for his ability to create music that can be so introvert and emotive, yet at the same time be sonic and mind-altering.

The new single ‘Leave Me’ starts out with simple chords (recorded by BAILE on an abandoned upright piano near the entrance of his rehearsal place) before the addition of empty beer bottles, analogue synths and acoustics bring the track to life. Kauf adds a narrative on impending heartache, beautifully articulating the agonising grief of lost love.

Listen below.

Sounds like: James Blake, Rhye, Fjord, SBTRKT, Asgeir, Solomon Grey

BAILE
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Kauf
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Interview: Lake Jons

Lake Jons

Helsinki born and bred Lake Jons reflects the darkest waters of the woods in delicate folktronica-tinged dream-pop.

In their sophomore album ‘The Coast’, Lake Jons continues to evolve both personally, and as a musical outlet. Reconnecting with their roots by leaving the city, they endeavour to dismantle life, space and time and gain emotional perspective.

We caught up with Jooel Jons and Mikko Pennanen to find out more…

1. Describe your sound in three words.

Tender, life-loving.

2. How did the name Lake Jons come about?

Well, it’s a twisted version of my name. Let’s leave it at that. :)))

3. Your new album ‘The Coast’ is inspired by nature. What is it about nature that attracts you the most?

Its purity and stillness. It’s crazy how I’m just calmed any time I’m in the forest. Even if the place isn’t untouched, natural areas still have the ability to give me the spiritual feeling of unity.

4. Any exciting plans for 2020?

Well, of course, new music will keep on pouring, but there will also be some tour plans for Europe, enjoying life, and hanging in the woods as much as possible.

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

Awesome. Lately I’ve been listening to Sharon Van Etten maybe more than others. It’s like a warm wave making the day seem a little more bright. Also, I got this old Spanish guitar album, compilation from different classical composers. That’s a perfect way to start a day.

Sounds like: Paul Simon, Ásgeir, Band Of Horses, Bon Iver, Nick Mulvey, Yumi Zouma, Bon Iver, Crooked Colours

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Lake Jons – I Don’t Care

Lake Jons

Lake Jons releases their new single ‘I Don’t Care’, lifted from their forthcoming album, ‘The Coast’, released on 29 Nov via Playground Music.

Inspired their moniker’s birthplace in the Towards forest, the track focuses on “details soft thought before action” and how ruminating is not always the right thing to do. Sometimes it’s simply better to just go with the flow.

Listen here.

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

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Playlist: Faradays

Faradays

Faradays is the project of Dutch songwriter and physicist Karindra Perrier.

Her new EP ‘Memories’ is out now and to celebrate the release, Faradays has put together a playlist for us full of honest and vulnerable songwriters, taking inspiration from her fascination for time, the world, and life itself in both music and science.

Maggie Rogers – Alaska

This song grabbed me the first time I heard it because it has very personal vocals and distinct sounds, and yet it’s so catchy, I just wanna dance to it.

Wildhart – We Made up a Dream

The Swedish have such particular pronunciation and vocal timbre, I love it. Beautiful song.

Lorde – The Louvre

I’m a fan of the way Lorde delivers her kind of mainstream yet authentic songs. With this track particularly, I’m just obsessed with the underwater-like bridge with the lush vocals and melancholic melodies.

Flume, Kai – Never Be Like You

This track, it’s such a good hit. Way to ride those faders on the synths! And the variety in drum sounds with the carefully tailored beat, kind of genius to get your track lively like that with few elements. Plus the “never be like you” is just an undeniably good vocal hook.

St. Vincent – New York

St. Vincent has been an inspiration to me since forever. I guess I could have added almost any song by her in this list, and I almost added Cheerleader. But I chose the more recent New York, because it’s so epic and emotional.

ANIMA! – Moving Mountains

I really love that ascending melody in the chorus, and then how the groove takes off after, and back to the darker sounding verse with the lively synth bass. Contrasting parts that come together so harmoniously. Really good.

Frank Ocean – Solo

I was kind of late to discover Frank Ocean. But now I cannot go without. His songwriting is so inspiring, his lyrics, his imagery, the way his hooks work in surprising ways.

Ásgeir – Higher

I don’t listen to this song so often anymore, but when I was writing for our EP Memories I often went to this song for inspiration on a straightforward approach that leads to a magical warm vibe. The way the piano chords are elegantly dragging behind the beat makes this song doesn’t become inert or clunky.

Katie Dey – Fleas

This is so radically uncompromising. It’s strange. It’s sweet. It’s the weirdest bedroom pop, completely out there. I love it.

Klangstof – Sleaze

I’ll end with a fellow Dutchman, because I’m proud of all the beautiful music and awesome artist we have here in the Netherlands. This track of Klangstof is subdued and excited at the same time. And I highly recommend listening to more of their tracks.

Sounds like: CILVR, Bat for Lashes, The Japanese House

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RKCB – Till We’re In The Sea

RKCB

Los Angeles-based duo RKCB shares the beautiful new single, ‘Till We’re In The Sea’.

RKCB fuses neo-soul, modern electronic R&B and dreamy synth-pop with avant-garde lyrics, resulting in an unparalleled sound that has echoes of Icelandic band, Ásgeir, bringing back memories of long drives by the cold seaside.

The song is taken from their ‘Shores’ EP which aims to tackle global warming and climate change.

Sounds like: Ásgeir, Talos, Aquilo, Solomon Grey

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Like Swimming – The Ground

Like Swimming by C. Johan Knobe

It’s been a minute since we last covered Swedish trio, Like Swimming and goodness aren’t we glad they’re back!

‘The Ground’, the more organic and typical indie-pop style compared to their last single, ‘Strike A Pose’, is released ahead of their double EP Resistance / Relations’, out on DigSin.

Sounds like: Chvrches, Chrome Sparks, Of Monsters & Men

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ROE – Down Days

ROE

Rising folktronica artist ROE has just reeased her new single ‘Down Days’, whilst currently on a UK tour with Snow Patrol.

A song dedicated to those down days, the song is described as “grumpy electro-pop” by ROE herself, but we think this gives herself an injustice as we all suffer down days and there’s nothing wrong with being reflective about that.

‘Down Days’ is out now via Fictive Kin Records.

Sounds like: Emma McGrath, Soak, Florence + The Machine

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Jack Hawitt – Grow

Jack Hawitt

You may not know the name Jack Hawitt, but you soon will.

Despite his HUGE success with previous releases with DJ Lucious and his cover of Dua Lipa‘s ‘Be The One’, his new single ‘Grow’ seems like the first personal release from the solo act – and one that is about “embracing the past and diving into the future.”

Sounds like: Matt Corby, Freya Ridings

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Fintan – Say It Again

Fintan

Meet Canadian busker and soon-to-be-artist, Fintan.

A deeply honest take on modern-day pop music, confessional track ‘Say It Again’ is the closest Fintan has come to knowing himself, being as deeply honest as possible.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan

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Trapdoor Social – The Move

Trapoor Social

Independent band Trapdoor Social are on ‘The Move’ with new single.

Blending Cali surf rock with pop/rock, the band’s music is energetic and passionate, with lyrics that play with love, philosophy, and social critique.

Sounds like: The Kooks, Panic! At The Disco, Great Good Fine Ok

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Francis Novotny – The Wire

Francis Novotny

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

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

Two Legs

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

Kuzo

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

7Chariot

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

The Rare Occasions

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

Suzi Island

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

Glassio

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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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

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Great News – You’re Mine

Great News

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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