Tag Archives: Austria

narou – Deep End

narou

narou pens a love letter to the people around him. His new single ‘Deep End’ is the first paragraph.

Taking inspiration from his namesake (which means “becoming” in Japanese), the Vienna born, Berlin-based songwriter and producer is on a constant journey of discovery, as the visuals for the song reflect. He further explains,

“I wrote this song about my somewhat impulsive behaviour after fights in a loving relationship. I challenged myself to start with the hook in order to hit the listener with that dramatic message and feeling right away. Saying that I don’t ever wanna hear back from that person is a feeling that doesn’t reflect my actual needs when the storm has cleared, but more so a display of pure anger I felt in that very moment. The second verse really brings clarity because I realized that this feeling will pass and all I want to do is forget about it and move on. We often find ourselves in situations like this. For me personally it has been an immense learning curve and I am slowly learning to control my emotions and my anger from a place of peace and love.”

Sounds like: Chet Faker, Honne, Klyne, Bearcubs, James Hersey, Kllo

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Marie Lang – Body

Marie Lang by Mahir Jahmal

Marie Lang by Mahir Jahmal

Austrian-born, neo-soul artist Marie Lang shares her debut EP ‘Body’; a beautiful collection of vulnerable pieces that vividly portray the cycles of lust, love, and sadness that come from interpersonal relationships.

Taking cues from soul songstresses such as Jessie Ware and Noé, the EP contains beautiful melodies blended with electronic instrumentals and heartfelt vocals.

Speaking about the EP, Lang explains,

“I lived in 3 different cities, went through multiple break-ups, reconnected with family and old friends, lost myself, found myself, thought I lost myself again and made my first EP.”

Sounds Like: Jessie Ware, Noé, Mafalda, Sinead Harnett, Cleo Sol, ELIZA

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MP The Kid – Stuck To My Mind

MP The Kid - Stuck To My Mind

Vienna-based urban pop rapper and producer MP The Kid has just dropped the visuals for his new single, ‘Stuck To My Mind’.

Featuring MP himself and four 50’s-inspired cheerleaders, the visuals perfectly showcase the uplifting track with its modern dance/pop production and rap vocals.

Expect his debut album ‘Dreams From Above’ on 30 November, out on FuturesFuture.

Sounds like: Naked Cameo, Leyya

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Weekly Gems 15

Nikö Blank – Do U

Nikö Blank - Do U

Meet Nikö Blank.

A Korean native, the rising DJ and producer has shared remixes of the likes of Flume, Disclosure, Portugal. The Man, LAUV, Klangstoff and MOONZz.

His single ‘Do U’ features the polished vocals of Jacob Luttrell and channels some serious soultronica vibes.

Expect ‘The Frame’ EP to be out in November.

Sounds like: Flume, Usher, Medasin, Jacob Banks

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filous – Already Gone ft. Emily Warren

filous

Austrian producer filous has also been an inquisitive soul, and a fast learner, perfecting a number of instruments at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 10 years, and filous finds himself nestled amongst the likes of Flume and ODESZA with his electronic music.

‘Already Gone’ features the delicate vocals of top songwriter Emily Warren (The Chainsmokers, FRENSHIP) and is out now via Ultra Music.

Sounds like: Gabrielle Aplin, Sigrid, Fenne Lily, Flume, ODESZA, Klei

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Blonde Maze – Thunder

Blonde Maze

We get a real sense of nostalgia listening to ‘Thunder’ by NYC songstress, Blonde Maze.

Touching piano keys and ethereal vocals express the beauty of maturity required to grow old and feel comfortable with someone.

Sounds like: Le Youth, Goldroom, Maggie Rogers

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Ella Blixt – WINNERS

Ella Blixt

Swedish multi-instrumentalist Ella Blixt shares her debuts single, ‘Winners’.

It’s ultimately a wise pop song which takes each part of the musical puzzle to write successes.

‘Winners’ is out now on Teto Records in Japan and Squeeze Day Recordings in Europe.

Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Sóley

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MRY – Walking On Fire

MRY

Not happy with the corporate grind, MRY decided to sack his job in engineering and head for the bright lights of the Pacific Coast.

The result is ‘Walking On Fire’, a feel-good indie dance track that easily reminds you of the summer just gone by.

It’s out now via YouTooCanWoo.

Sounds like: The Levity, Cub Sport, Island Club, Lanes

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Lyves – Cover Me

Lyves

Lyves shares ‘Cover Me’, which has been co-produced with Will Night.

It’s another honest and passionate song from the London artist, and is about the push and pulls of a relationship.

Sounds like: Kllo, London Grammar, James Blake, SOHN, The Weeknd, Banks, Jamie XX, Jesse Ware, Shura, Seal, Boards of Canada

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Inner Tongue – Dig Deeper

Inner Tongue by HELMUT BERGER

Inner Tongue is a solo project that almost didn’t happen.

In 2013, its exponent was diagnosed with a vocal cord disorder so severe that only a handful of specialists throughout the entire world were capable of treating it. He worked day and night to raise the funds necessary to pay for the required operation, followed by a period of silence.

Luckily the procedure worked and the result is a vocal tone that fits somewhere in-between Tame Impala and SOHN.

The video for ‘Dig Deeper’ is like a party, and even includes footage of Inner Tongue dancing to David Bowie records.

Much like the project, there is a little confusion about where the track might take you as gentle jazz drums lead you into a false sense before it takes a moodier, more electronic turn towards its end.

‘Dig Deeper’ is taken from Inner Tongue’s forthcoming debut album, which will be released early next year.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Phoenix, Chet Faker, The Weeknd, SOHN

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PALASTIC – Matches (Feat. Nathan)

PALASTIC - Matches Feat. Nathan

PALASTIC – Matches Feat. Nathan

PALASTIC are a duo from Austria and the UK. Although the project is recently new, both Philipp and Sebastian have been producing for several years under a different alias.

‘Matches’ features the soulful vocals of Nathan, and has just the right balance of emotional indietronica and melodic dance.

Sounds like: Kidswaste, EDEN, A R I Z O N A, Dooqu, CHIMES

PALASTIC
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Nathan
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James Hersey – Miss You

James Hersey

James Hersey

Vienna is a hotpot for dance-led indietronica, and one particular artist who has come to our attention (along with 15 million others, as shown by his Spotify figures) is James Hersey.

Growing up on a recipe of guitars and Michael Jackson, it comes at quite a surprise that James would produce music with such balearic vibes.

James is not afraid of mixing genres, or getting his hands dirty, either; the video for ‘Miss You’ has been co-edited by Hersey himself and directed/shot by Schall & Schnabel in Berlin.

‘Miss You’ was produced with Will Hicks (Ed Sheeran) and mixed by Stephen Fitzmaurice (Sam Smith, Disclosure), with and is out via Glassnote Records.

Honne have also given the track some remix treatment, which you can listen to below.

Sounds like: Gryffin, Honne

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Lea Santee – Hopeless

Lea Santee

Lea Santee

LEA SANTEE is a Vienna based duo which consists of Lea Stöger & producer Manuel Hosp.

New track ‘Hopeless’ is the first single from the upcoming EP ‘Set This Fire’.

R&B injected, this track is brooding electronica with sultry vocals.

Sounds like: IYES, Ghosts, Monogem, July Child, London Grammar, Evvy, James Blake, Phoria, Ben Khan, The XX

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An Indietronica Preview of Iceland Airwaves 2014

Iceland Airwaves

Since the first edition was held in 1999 in an airplane hangar, Iceland Airwaves has become the festival for music lovers, being praised by many as the best music festival in the world.

Set amongst beautiful scenery in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, the festival celebrates homegrown talent as well as musical craft from further afield.

Haven’t got a ticket? Don’t fear! Indietronica is attending to find out what all the fuss is about.

By the powers of the internet we bring you a preview of the lesser known bands and our ones to watch, straight to your computer or phone screens.

ADULT JAZZ

Adult Jazz

Adult Jazz

Adult Jazz is a four-piece from the UK. Their debut album ‘Gist Is’ has taken four years to make and was released via their own label Spare Thought.

They sound like a jazzed-up version of Bombay Bicycle Club or a mellowed out version of Jagwar Ma.

We are definitely looking forward to seeing them play.

Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Jagwar Ma, Panda Cubs, The 1975, Yeasayer, Saux

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ALICE BOMAN

Alice Boman

Alice Boman

With simple lyrics and ethereal overtones, Alice Boman is a quintessentially Swedish singer.

Have a listen to her stunning cover of War on Drugs‘s ‘Red Eyes’:

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Sounds like: Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Ellie Goulding, Rae Morris

ÁSGEIR

Ásgeir

Ásgeir

For fans of Bon Iver and Deptford Goth looking for something slightly different, meet twenty-two year old Icelandic singer/songwriter, Ásgeir (aka Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson).

Ásgeir’s debut album, ‘Dyrd í dauðathogn’ was mostly written by his 72 year old father and became so popular in his home country, 10% of the Icelandic population is estimated to own a copy.

The English-language version of the album (‘In The Silence’) was translated by John Grant.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Deptford Goth, RY X

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BALLET SCHOOL 

Ballet School

Ballet School

Berlin-based Ballet School is Irish Rosie Blair on vocals/guitar, Japanese-Brazilian Michel Collet on lead guitar and Louis McGuire on drums.

Blair and Collet met two years ago in Berlin when Blair heard Collet playing his guitar in the U-bahn. Sharing their love of the Cocteau-Twins, she immediately asked him to form a band. In 2012 they began collaborating with McGuire.

A mélange of ’80s pop and R’N’B is always at the forefront of the band’s agenda.

Sounds like: Kitten, Claire, BLSHS, Kavinsky, Madonna, Robyn, Ronika

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BERNDSEN

Berndsen

Berndsen

From modern 80’s inspired music to a musician who sticks to his roots and breathes 80’s electronica.

Berndsen (aka David Berndsen) is a bearded iconic figure in Iceland and regularly works with Hermigervill; one of Iceland’s most notable producers.

Sounds like: Depeche Mode, New Order, Tesla Boy, Salt Ashes, Graingerboy, Thomas Azier, Soft Cell

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BIRD

bird

bird

bird is Jon Valur Gudmundsson, a successful 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Iceland who makes electro-infused indie pop.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Ásgeir, 1860, Kid Astray

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BLAENAVON

Blaenavon

Blaenavon

Blaenavon is a three-piece indie outfit from Hampshire, UK formed of Harris McMillan, Frank Wright, and Benjamin Gregory.

Heavily guitar-based, it is no surprise that these guys are being written about by the likes of NME and Clash.

Their new EP ‘Koso’ is out now on Transgressive Records.

Sounds like: The Macabees, Two Door Cinema Club, Young Kato, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Editors, White Lies, Daughter

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CARIBOU

Caribou

Caribou

Following the success of ‘Swim’ in 2010, Caribou is finally back!

At first glance, his latest track ‘Our Love’ is a long wave length of dance music beats, but upon further inspection it is a lot more gritty and the R&B hooks remind us of Inner City‘s ‘Good Life’.

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Metronomy, All We Are, New Build, Touch Sensitive, Rufus

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DISA

Disa

Disa

Iceland born Disa writes celestial, synth pop. She left Reykjavik to live in Copenhagen and pursue her dream of singing.

She is now signed to Danish label Tigerspring.

Sounds like: Salt Ashes, I BREAK HORSES, Kate Boy, Death Rattle, Dimond Saints, Brian Eno

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EAST INDIA YOUTH

eastindiayouth970

East Londoner William Doyle is East India Youth.

His tracks are stark and choate masterpieces with marching and minimal drum rolls.

Sounds like: Sivu, These New Puritans, Conner Youngblood, Brian Eno

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EAST OF MY YOUTH

East Of My Youth

East Of My Youth

East Of My Youth is Herdis and Thelma from Reykjavik.

Citing influences from classical and modern genres, the duo creates experimental pop music.

Sounds like: Austra, Feist, OH Land

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EMILIE NICOLAS

Emilie Nicolas

Emilie Nicolas

Emilie Nicolas is another one of Norway’s amazing exports.

Her voice immediately demands your attention and we have had her atmospheric cover of Norwegian band DumDum Boys‘s 1990 track ‘PStereo’ on repeat in the Indietronica office.


Sounds like: Tove Styrke, KYIKI, BLSHS, Monogem, Tove Lo, Lykke Li, Elliphant, X priest X, La Roux

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FARAO

Farao

Farao

Following on from Nicolas is Farao, another Norweigen singer/songwriter with a knack for combing emotive lyrics and indie-folk sounds.

Sounds like: Poliça, Emilie Nicolas, Bon Iver, Rae Morris, First Aid Kit, Susanne Sundfør

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FURA

Fura

Fura

FURA is an Icelandic project between songstress Björt Sigfinnsdóttir, and producer duo Hallur Jónsson and Janus Rasmussen.

FURA embraces the element of drastic nature, isolation and emotional depth.

Sounds like: Phantogram, Lykke Li, Nina Yasmineh

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FUTURE ISLANDS

Future Islands

Future Islands

The serious electronic Baltimore trio is back.

Advising us about love and loss, and offering up mesmerising performances, we are glad Future Islands will be getting the recognition they deserve at Iceland Airwaves.

Sounds like: New Order, Suzuki Method, Wild Beasts

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HIMBRIMI

Himbrimi

Himbrimi

Himbrini is an Icelandic band comprising of Margrét Rúnarsdóttir on vocal and keys, Birkir Rafn Gíslasson on guitar, Hálfdán Árnason on bass and Skúli Arason on keys and Egill Rafnsson on drums.

Himbrini offers up soft, Scandinavian pop and it is lush. This is one band we cannot wait to watch live.

Sounds like: Lykke Li, Röyksopp, London Grammar, Bat For Lashes, Island Fox, IYES, The XX

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HOW TO DRESS WELL

How To Dress Well

How To Dress Well

How To Dress Well (aka Tom Krell) is an American singer who twists up sensual guitar-based R&B with sparkling synth pop.

He is definitely one to watch.

Sounds like: LANY, Great Good Fine OK, Until The Ribbon Breaks, July Child

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JUNGLE

Jungle

Jungle

The music-by-soul collective Jungle has been bubbling away at the surface for some time now. Their music offers a pinch of Gorillaz-esque bass lines and sexy lyrics.

Sounds like: Rudimental, Disclosure, Le Youth, Clean Bandit, Gorillaz

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KAJAK

KAJAK

KAJAK

We absolutely love Icelandic cousins, KAJAK.

They are heavily influenced by tribal cultures and in their live shows they mix visual arts and theatrics, making it a special and engaging experience to watch.

Sounds like: Coldplay, I BREAK HORSES, Kate Boy, Sia

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KLANGKARUSSELL

Klangkarussell

Klangkarussell

Klangkarussell is Tobias Rieser and Adrian Held; an Austrian electronic dance music production duo who formed in 2011.

They are known for ‘Sonnentanz’, a track that accidentally became a hit last year. We’ve watched Klangkarussell perform live with their band and they put on a good show!

Sounds like: Will Heard, Milky Chance, Klingande, Wankelmut, MÖWE

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KWABS

Kwabs

Kwabs

Vienna-via-London producer Kwabs‘s music is soulful with an electro twist.

Kwabs is a growing artist and we are expecting a number one hit soon!

Sounds like: Azekel, MNEK, SOHN, James Blake, Ben Khan, Banks, Jesse Ware, Kele Okereke

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LILY THE KID

Lily the Kid

Lily the Kid

Lily the Kid is the brainchild of Lilja K. Jónsdóttir (who was the former front woman of Icelandic electro-pop veterans Bloodgroup) and her brother, the producer Hallur Jónsson.

Breathtaking vocals, combined with a bass line bubbling at the surface makes Lily the Kid very special indeed.

Sounds like: Banks, Shura, Blood Orange

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ROOSEVELT

Roosevelt

ROOSEVELT

Roosevelt (aka Marius Lauber) is a Cologne-based electronic artist with a flair for discotronica. He effortlessly emerges warm beats with hypnotic psychedelia.

Sounds like: The Whitest Boy Alive, Caribou, Tourist., Jagwar Ma, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Yellerkin

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SHURA

Shura

Shura

Shura (aka Aleksandra Denton) was born in London to a Russian actress and an English documentary filmmaker.

Her last (but unreleased) track ‘Touch’ gained 3 million hits on Soundcloud.

Her music can be described as a contemporary mix of twinkling, ‘Lucky-Star’-era Madonna with the bedroom-R&B grooves of Blood Orange, filtered through a haze of Balearic synths and swirling, Warpaint-inspired guitars.

Shura has just signed to Polydor.

Sounds like: Blood Orange, Massive Attack, Madonna

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SISY EY

Sísý Ey

Sísý Ey

Sísý Ey (pronounced See See Ay) was formed in 2011 by three sisters; Elin, Elisabet and Sigga. Their goal was to sing live house music, and with the help of DJ Oculus, their dream has become a reality.

Sounds like: Gorgon City, Klangkarussell, TIEKS, Celeste

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THE WALKING WHO

The Walking Who

The Walking Who

The Walking Who is a psychedelic rock trio based based in Sydney and is made up by Rohin Brown, Paul Mclean and Jay Drury. Their music is inspired by Byron Bay surf chimes and folk.

Sounds like: War on Drugs, Yellerkin, Jagwar Ma, Roosevelt, Empire of the Sun, The Doors

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VOK

Vök

Vök

Vök is a dreamy electro duo-turned-trio from Iceland.

Taking a slightly different slant on traditional Icelandic electro music, we especially like the smooth tones from the saxophone, courtesy of Andri Már Enoksson.

Sounds like: Death Rattle, Duran Duran, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Chairlift, Poliça, Björk, Tegan & Sara

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YOUNG KARIN

Young Karin

Young Karin

Young Karin is a simple and dreamy art pop production by Reykjavik-based Karin & Logi Pedro.

Having already been nominated for the Icelandic Music Awards, we anticipating brilliant things from the duo.

Sounds like: Banks, July Child

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Having already sold out (apart from limited package deals), this year is set to be as explosive as ever! You can track the event on the Iceland Airwaves 2014 app.