Tag Archives: Ava Max

Weekly Gems 170

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Eloise Viola – Trying To Love Ya

Eloise Viola

London-based singer-songwriter Eloise Viola oozes positivity and self love. With a degree in Psychology and recent modelling with sustainable clothing brand Positive Outlook Clothing, Eloise Viola is more than one of the hottest artists in the pop scene.

Her funk-rich, disco-leaning single ‘Trying To Love You’ is out now.

Sounds like: Dua Lipa, Gracey, Call Me Loop, Mabel

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BLYNE – Randomness

BLYNE

Forging their own pop path, Berlin-based artist & producer duo BLYNE share new single ‘Randomness’. It’s another great example of bedroom pop coming out of Germany, with bright synths and youthful vocals.

Check it out below.

Sounds like: Arca, Aphex Twin, ANOHNI, Oneohtrix Point Never, Charity Children, Pnau

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Tommy Lefroy – Vampires

Tommy Lefroy

Alt-pop girls Tommy Lefroy – aka Tessa Mouzourakis and Wynter Bethel – share the soothing ‘Vampires,’ just in time for Halloween.

It’s a laidback rock track from the transatlantic duo. About staying with someone through trying times, it really exposes delicate and soothing vocal delivery.

Sounds like: Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, Weyes Blood, Soccer Mommy, Fenne Lily, Emma McGrath

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Carol Ades – Through

Carol Ades by Cash Danielsen (Love Artists Agency)

LA-based Carol Ades (pronounced addis) shares ‘Through,’ the title track of her debut EP.

With echoes of a soundtrack for a 90’s cult film, ‘Through’ marks a powerful reclamation of personal artistry for the New Jersey-born talent, who has penned penned fan favourite hits with Demi Lovato, Benny Blanco and Ava Max.

It’s about a break up that Ades went through last year where she traveled to London during the pandemic to win back the old relationship, but this didn’t go to plan and she ended up being stuck in London during the lockdown.

Sounds like: Avril Lavigne, Maggie Rogers, Wolf Alice, Ava Max

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Wil Owen – After Dark

Wil Owen by Celyn Morris

Wil Owen by Celyn Morris

Bristol-based Wil Owen shares ‘After Dark,’ a song he worked on with Tamu Massif (Fenne Lily).

As raw as it gets, the delicate plucks of acoustic guitar and breathy vocals conjure up a reflective and honest image of a crowd of people in a room, completely isolated from each other.

Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Bon Iver, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Damien Jurado, Ben Howard, Fenne Lily

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Weekly Gems 114

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Mathew V – Don’t Let Me Go

Mathew V

Canadian born popstar Mathew V releases his enigmatic single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’.

A bold, unabashed pop track, Mathew V is using his strong roots within the LGBTQ+ community to express himself and let the music do the talking. Listen below.

Sounds like: Shawn Mendes, Dagny

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MΛD FVN – Skeletons

MΛD FVN

Debut act MΛD FVN has a lot to say, about a lot of things, including the light hearted topic of life, which she so nearly lost in two separate accidents.

A call to arms, this is emotional, raw and powerful.

Sounds like: Gia Woods, Broods

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kauf – Am I Crazy Feat. Overjoy (Kauf Rework)

Rising Los Angeles vocalist kauf is offering a rework of his first original track featuring another vocalist Overjoy – one of three artists on his burgeoning label ONE / HALF.

Taking a more “pop” approach to his music, he has added a UK garage style beat and some looped vocal samples, giving it more energy and bringing it into the dance world.

Sounds like: Kllo, James Blake, Nordic Giants, Bicep, Jon Hopkins, Caribou, Talos, Bonobo

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Francis On My Mind – Never Be The Same

Francis On My Mind - Never Be The Same

Only on her second release, 16 year old Romanian electro-pop act Francis On My Mind is proving that “Euro pop” is very much a thing of the past.

Sparing synth, melodic drums and fragile but still powerful vocals, this new song comes as a breath of fresh air in a saturated industry of overproduced singles.

Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, Jessie Ware, Monogem, Goldroom, Melis

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ELBA – 700 Angels

ELBA - 700 Angels

Danish pop newcomer ELBA is 25-year-old singer and songwriter Ellen Bathum. She tells stories about the loss of control and the many nuances of love.

Her new single ‘700 Angels’ has a catchy pop hook, but it almost feels like it splits in two directions – experimental electronic music and indie that ultimately culminates into a fiery explosion.

Sounds like: Lady Gaga, Blondage, Jinka

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Cloudy June – Psycho

Cloudy June

Former death metal singer, Cloudy June, takes a proud new step into the world of pop.

Expect her new ‘Psycho’ to be an exhilarating ride of rock and pop. It proves once again how young self-made independent talent can make a real impact.

Sounds like: Ava Max, Halsey, Girl Wilde

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Lex Low – Feel More

Lex Low

London-based Lex Low shares new single ‘Feel More. Ultimately questioning moments in his early life, should he be feeling less or more?

After seeking therapy this year, Lex has used this as a catalyst to tap into emotions from the past and create music. Listen below.

Sounds like: Easy Life, The Night Café

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Mokita – Over You

Mokita

Mokita shares the stripped back ‘Over You’.

With a modern twist on an emo/pop-punk ballad, the song was initially written in the format of a love letter to an ex, and shows a more sentimental perspective to Mokita’s music.

Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND

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Creature Comfort – Arcade Fire

Creature Comfort

Nashville bootgaze/indie-rock outfit Creature Comfort share the fuzzy ‘Arcade Fire’.

Not to be confused with the track ‘Creature’ Comfort’ by the band Arcade Fire (a cheeky nod to Arcade Fire unexpectedly releasing ‘Creature Comfort on the same day Clark and his bandmates performed at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2017), this is a psychedelic explosion with wavy electric guitar and unrelenting percussion.

Sounds like: Jagwar Ma, Pond, Liily, Future Thieves, The Weeks, Kurt Vile, Fleet Foxes

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Weekly Gems 110

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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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Marina Kaye – Twisted

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Marina Kaye by Parri Thomas

Marina Kaye by Parri Thomas

There has been a recent influx of female artists taking back their power in the most positively brazen of ways.

One such artist is French multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Marina Kaye.

At just 21, Kaye is left to explore her self-proclaimed “weird” alter ego in the sultry new single ‘Twisted’. Accompanied by the macabre new visual – directed by Julien Hosmalin and Kaye herself – Kaye is inspired by a personal experience she had in a psychiatrist’s office.

“The guy didn’t believe a word I told him and looked at me like I was a freak. I wanted to use this experience, and turn the tables for this music video.”

Sounds like: Ava Max, Marina & The Diamonds, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Billie Eilish

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Playlist: Pat Lok

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Pat Lok

Canadian dance producer Pat Lok has teamed up with pop artist Kate Stewart on his new single called ‘Know Me’, ahead of his second studio EP campaign soon, out on Kitsuné.

To celebrate the release, we asked Pat Lok to put together a playlist for us.

Pat Lok – Know Me ft Kate Stewart
My new song “Know Me” is all about that moment when you first meet someone and there’s chemistry but you’re still trying to play it a little cool, not move too fast. Musically it’s inspired by 80s boogie, an incredible era for music – which is the theme of this playlist.

D-Train – You’re The One For Me
That synth riiff is so SO recognizable, one of the greatest little hooks ever. D-Train has such an emotional tone to his voice. No wonder it’s one of the most sampled records of all time.

Janet Jackson – When I Think Of You
You can’t have 80s without including Janet, her productions with Jam & Lewis still sound pristine today. It’s tough to write rnb classics in a major key but they did it so well here with that simple repeating bassline.

The SOS Band – High Hopes
SOS Band has so many great songs but this is more on the chill and disco side of things, with the live bass holding it down. And then that hook! So groovy I just never want it to end.

Cherelle – I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On
When people say 80s boogie, this song is what they mean. A simple unforgettable vocal, huge funky synth stabs, a strutting bassline bouncing between the kick and snare. Untouchable.

Imagination – Just An Illusion
One of the most prolific yet oft forgotten acts of the 80s era, Imagination lived up to their name with terrific songwriting wrapped in sensual mystique and exotic outfits. Their album covers are among my all time favorites, you’ll want to check out their videos.

Cheryl Lynn – Got To Be Real
Not many songs are recognizable from the very first note. Soundtracking everything from the first NYC vogue contests to your aunt’s wedding. Again a bit more disco with all the horn instrumentation and less synths but with that kick – snare groove I’m sneaking this one in.

Janet Jackson – The Pleasure Principle
Yup doubling down on Janet. Written by The Time’s Monte Moir, this one perfectly encompasses the era, that balance between live instrumentation and synths (which were finally becoming mainstream in pop music). Janet’s vocals wander all over the place, which is probably why there are versions near 10 min long but I love every minute of it.

The BB&Q Band – Dreamer
Funky, dreamy, spacey. Those sparkly synth areggios swirling around the sequenced drum machine. One of the unsung classics!

Change – Searching
Featuring a guy named Luther Vandross before he got all famous. This one sets the standard for triplet-time (6/8) dance music.

Pat goes on tour with Party Pupils.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Le Youth, Just Kiddin, Blonde, Ava Max, Gigamesh, SG Lewis, Moulinex

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