Tag Archives: Bat For Lashes

Weekly Gems 29

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Hansaa & Soso – Nights Feat Emma Sameth

Hansaa & soso

Australian outfit Hansaa & Soso shares the new video for ‘Nights’ featuring the delicate vocal tones of Los Angeles-based Emma Sameth.

The visuals, directed by Julian Pircher, watch a young man follow his desires for a lady as she is laid out right in front of him.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Kuru Blue, Banks

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Sunan – Faster

Sunan

Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.

Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”

One of these results is ‘Faster’, which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.

Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Everything Everything, Alt-J, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads

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MATTIS – The Chain

MATTIS

We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.

His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier

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Xie – Habits

Xie - Habits

We’ve all got ‘Habits’ but none are as positive as Los Angeles-based producer and singer Xie.

Taking a fresh perspective on pop music, Xie is paving the way for female producers with her new song!

‘Habits’ is out now via Seeking Blue Records.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Crystal Fighters, The Knocks, Charli XCX, CHLØË BLACK

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Kuzo – Luna

Kuzo

This laid-back duo have big dreams in their heads. Meet Kuzo.

The video for ‘Luna’ explores nature during the day, epitomising a dream-like state, waiting for the moon to come out.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa

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Shadowlark – See Each Other Right

British trio Shadowlark single ‘See Each Other Right’ blends sounds similar to that of Goldfrapp and Fleetwood Mac.

It’s another hypnotic song to add to their synth-tinged roster, further showcasing front woman Ellen Smith’s mysterious vocals.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li, Goldfrapp, Fleetwood Mac

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More Giraffes – Basement

More Giraffes

Futuristic pop duo More Giraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.

Listen to their debut single, ‘Basement’ below.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Manila Killa

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Josh Jacobson – Sideline Feat. Gigamesh

Josh Jacobson

Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.

On the subject of the song, he explains,

“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”

Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd

Josh Jacobson
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Gigamesh
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Weekly Gems 25

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

LKA – I’m Fallin’

LKA

Finnish artist LKA has teamed up with HANNAH on her new single, ‘I’m Fallin”. It’s a welcome retreat from the cold weather.

Written about a crush, the stripped-back song showcases LKA’s fruitful vocals, and swirling, tropical production.

Sounds like: MØ, Grimez, Paperwhite, Calypso

Nat Reed – Flow

Nat Reed - Flow

Boston-based Nat Reed is an exciting new R&B artist.

Her ethereal sensuality works magic with the minimal electronic production used in her music, which creates an otherworldly experience for the listener.

Listen to ‘Flow’ below.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Solange, Banks, Jorja Smith, FKA Twigs, Mabel

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SUMif – In With Me

SUMif

San Francisco-based electro pop up-and-comer SUMif sets off 2018 alight with her new EP called ‘Pretty Cage’.

SUMif has already opened for indie and electro-pop darlings such as VÉRITÉ, Lauv, Ella Vos, Kučka, and Little Boots, and hopefully a headline slot will be hers very shortly.

‘In With Me’ is the lead single.

Sounds like: REMMI, CAPPA, Monogem, Evvy, Noosa, Sizzy Rocket

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namaka – Cellophane

namaka - Cellophane

We don’t hear very much Swiss indietronica, but namaka‘s new song ‘Cellophane’ proves we should be listening to more.

Their music is both feminine and masculine; production both analogical and digital, as the band tackle the conflict of man vs machine in the most delicate and rough ways possible.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Daughter

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Western Scene – Strange But True

Do not be deceived, ‘Strange But True’ by Western Scene is not a Christmas song, despite the countless bells and chimes in the song. Instead, it is a call for decent music.

Formed by front man Tom Pritchard in Los Angeles, Western Scene is an indie rock band through and through, spending years self-producing music that has been written and recorded in bedrooms and studios across the coast.

‘Strange but True’ is out now via Grand Jury Music.

Sounds like: Band Of Horses, Midlake, Lake Jons

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Interview: Amanda Merdzan

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Amanda Merdzan

Australian-born and London-based, Amanda Merdzan, has been gearing up to release her ‘Commands’ EP, which is finally out today.

We had a chat with Amanda about its release and her music, in general.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into music.

I started playing guitar when I was really young, and spent a lot of my younger years at all ages gigs after discovering the world of grunge and pop-punk music! I formed a few bands back then and would always be jamming with them in my parents garage or at one of the other kids houses. One thing lead to another, a punk rock EP, a few folk records later and here I am! It’s been an interesting progression.

Describe your sound in three words.

Dark Electro Pop.

Your EP, ‘Commands’, is coming out on the 25th July. Tell us more about the meaning behind it.

Leading up to writing the EP there were a lot of significant changes taking place in my life, which became the focal point of the songs. The title ‘Commands’ comes from the feeling of having very little control in the situations I was experiencing.

A close friendship of mine was on it’s way out the door, and I was learning that people can change very quickly when being guided by the will of others. I’d also just revealed the relationship with my girlfriend that I had been hiding from everyone for a long time, and I was trying to navigate my way through all the challenges that came with that.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

I’ve always had a large folk influence, but when I was writing this EP I was listening to a lot of Broods, Grimes and Fever Ray.

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

Bat For Lashes, Haux, Anna Of The North and Amanda Bergman.

Order ‘Commands’ on iTunes here.

Sounds like: Leena Ojala, Rhye, Emma Louise, MUNA, Shura, Chinah, Wet

CHELAN – Beams

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

CHELAN by Matt Drenik

CHELAN (pronounced sh-lan) is a band comprised of classical music teacher Jennifer Grady, film/TV music composer Justin Hosford, and drummer Chad Austinson.

‘Beams’ is the lead single from their latest album, ‘Vultures’, which the band say has more of a synth pop sound than their previous endeavours.

‘Vultures’ is out on 26 August.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Susanne Sundfør, White Sea, First Aid Kit

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Pumarosa – Cecile

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Pumarosa

It’s nearly the end of weekend, so time for some lush indie pop for your ears, courtesy of London five-piece, Pumarosa.

Pumarosa originally started as a duo when drummer Nick was to only musician to turn up to a new project rehearsal in London. After moving to a warehouse in Manor House, they met Henry, Tomoya and Neville and began a period of intensely hot rehearsal in a 10′ x 10′ chipboard room. In the summer of 2015, the band was offered a residency in the cavernous disused cinema of an Italian surrealist, situated within the cliffs of Calabria. Scraping together a van and driving non-stop to Italy, the band worked on new material, and it was in Italy that they settled on the name Pumarosa: in part reflecting Isabel’s Chilean roots, but also the jungle fruit of the same name.

Their new single is a psychedelic disco number called ‘Cecile’, produced by Dan Carey (Kate Tempest, Bat For Lashes, Toy).

‘Cecile’ is out via Chess Club/Mom + Pop.

Sounds like: The Editors, Lucius, Goldfrapp, Karen O, Bat For Lashes, Talking Heads

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Tradiio Exclusive: Interview With Britt Daley

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Britt Daley

Britt Daley has been causing quite a stir with her single ‘Move Me’, so we decided to find out more about the songstress from the US.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into music.

Music was always playing in our household and as I grew up musicality was highly encouraged. For my 5th birthday my grandmother bought me an upright Baldwin, insisting on lessons. I think my grandmother had this dream of me becoming a concert pianist… the ‘female Liberace’, but that was thwarted when I began performing professionally with the Orlando Youth Opera. I continued piano lessons but I loved to sing so I was taken under the wing of Linda Ronstadt’s former vocal coach.

Describe your sound in three words.

Dreamy. Electronic. Synth-pop.

We discovered you on Tradiio after listening to your track ‘Move Me’, which has received thousands of plays. Were you expecting such a positive response to your debut?

I wasn’t expecting it to garner this much attention because it’s so hard to cut through the noise as an independent artist. But ‘Move Me’ did pretty well, which I can attribute in part to the blog attention it received early on, Soundcloud shares/playlists, and it’s presence on the Tradiio platform. Super pleased that it reached as many people as it has because it’s one of my favorites.

You’ve also collaborated with Morgan Page. How did that come about?

I was originally connected to the project through Jay and Nick of The Oddictions, who also co-wrote and produced, “Running Wild”. They heard a song I had worked on with mutual friend, producer/DJ Nicademass, and got in touch with me via Twitter. Despite the three of us living in the same town we didn’t meet in person until a couple months into the project. I’ve become pretty accustomed to working with other artists and producers remotely, and it can have it setbacks, but it’s mostly been positive because it allows me to work with people from all over the world, which has been truly rewarding. Many of the people I work with are based in L.A., but I’m also working with a producer based in Portland on my debut solo album, and I have another collaboration with a producer who lives in the Netherlands. There are a few pretty cool projects down the pipeline that I’m very excited about.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

Gosh… where to start… as a kid… Björk, Madonna, Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, and later rediscovering 80’s New Wave bands like Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, The Cars, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys… (I could go on).

In more recent years, I’ve been influenced by Bat For Lashes, Sia, Com Truise, James Vincent McMorrow, Imogen Heap, Miike Snow, Marina & The Diamonds…

I also draw upon influences from my classical and theatrical training… and of course my personal life experiences. Every song on my album is very personal and each one captures a different moment of my life over the past few years.

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

I have pretty eclectic taste and I’m constantly finding amazing artists that might not be very new, but they’re new to me… good music is good music. Right now I’ve been listening to Kidnap Kid, Tame Impala, Jason Isbell, Nikki Lane, Taylor McFerrin, and Broods… Check out Kidnap Kid – Moments ft Leo Stannard it’s stunning.

We’ve invested in Britt Daley. Have you? Listen to more of their songs and support them at tradiio.com/britt-daley.

Sounds like: Miike Snow

Lexi Scherr – Interview and Ready Aim Fire (Feat. Cosmic Retro)

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Lexi Scherr by Liz Maney

New York City-based, pop/singer-songwriter, Lexi Scherr, recently released her new single, ‘Ready Aim Fire’, featuring Cosmic Retro.

The track is a racy one, with charming falsetto vocals and clean synths.

Find out a bit more about Lexi and how she met Cosmic Retro by reading our interview with her below:

How and why did you start making music?

I started making music when I was around 2 years old. That was when I started writing little songs. It was mostly for attention, and for the most part, I succeeded in annoying my parents to no end with my racket. I hadn’t realized yet that loud does not equal good. I started playing piano around 9 and really began honing my craft around 13. For some reason I felt like I had a story to tell and that I wanted to do so through song. It was sort of like a sneaky way of telling people how I felt about them.

Describe your sound in three words.

Pretty Damn Catchy.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

I learned a lot about classic rock and oldies from our elementary school carpools. It was my introduction to really really solid melodies & hooks. And in college, my roommate introduced me to indie pop & glam rock. Throughout my musical education, I have become inspired by a variety of artists with very different styles; From The Beatles to Bat for Lashes; Radiohead to The Talking Heads.

How did you feel when Joseph Gordon-Levitt chose your track for his HitREcord show?

Stoked & honored! What more can I say? It’s Mr. Tasha McCauley for crying out loud!

Your new track ‘Ready Aim Fire’ features Cosmic Retro. How did that come about?

Cosmic Retro is this awesome producer who is also part of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s online production company, HitRECord.org (as I am). I am a little bit obsessed with the 80s, so when I found his track on the site I felt compelled to jump on with a melody & lyrics that could do his amazing instrumental justice. He’s fantastic. I’ve only met him once in person, when he was rolling through New York. He was the one wearing the ridiculous yellow boots (his words).

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

Something new from 2015 that I’m diggin’ right now is “Lisa Sawyer” by Leon Bridges. But his whole album is really fantastic retro-soul. I am also loving the delicious indie pop track “10,000 Emerald Pools” by BØRNS.

Sounds like: Eliza Doolittle, Evvy, Noosa, Dominique, Ronika, Broods, Shura, B. Miles, Fiona Apple, Annie Lennox, Annie

Exclusive Premiere: GØSPEL – Other Side

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

GØSPEL

GØSPEL is London based trio Beth Anderton-Allen, Will Pennel and Chris Willsher.

We are proud to premiere ‘Other Side’; the B-side to ‘Ain’t Gonna Let You In’, which is out on 22 June.

‘Other Side’ is an atmospheric track with raw, live-sounding vocals from Beth and a laid back distorted bass line to top.

Usually B-sides aren’t as decent as their A-side counterparts, but this track is serious competition to ‘Aint Gonna Let You In’.

Listen below:

You can also catch GØSPEL headlining at The Waiting Room, Stoke Newington for their single launch party on 24 June.

Sounds like: Fleetwood Mac, London Grammar, Bat for Lashes, The National. Chvrches, Women’s Hour, Daughter, MS MR, Broods

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The Staves – Steady

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

The Staves – Steady

British sisters, The Staves have been busy recording a new album in a Wisconsin cabin with Justin Vernon.

New track ‘Steady’ is a hearty dose of folk for our ear drums. Full of atmospheric strings and wild harmonies.

Following on from the ‘Blood I Bleed’ EP, ‘Steady’ is taken from the upcoming album ‘If I Was’. It is out on Nonesuch/Atlantic Records in March.

Sounds like: First Aid Kit, Susanne Sundfør, Kate Bush, Bat For Lashes, Vaults, Grizzly Bear, Say Lou Lou, Of Monsters and Men, Fleet Foxes

Susanne Sundfør – Delirious

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Eleanor

Susanne Sundfør has released yet another new synthtastic pop song; ‘Delirious’, taken from her forthcoming album Ten Love Songs due for released 16th February 2015 through Sonnet Sound via Kobalt.

The tune is a complex, changing and intense pop song, beginning in fear, building in urgency and ending in pure ecstatic elevation. Delicious pulsating synths, cinematic string accompaniments are all present in this stunning track, contributing to the only way to describe 'Delirious'; Epic.

UK and European tour dates are as follows:

March
3rd Scala, London
11th Kerk, Ghent
12th Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, Cologne
14th Paradiso, Amsterdam
16th Terrace Hill, Hamburg
17th Berghain Kantine, Berlin
19th Pumpehuset, Copenhagen
20st Kägelbanan, Stockholm

Preorder the album Ten Love Songs here.

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