For a debut release, this is an incredibly strong (and incredibly danceable) house track.
With a heavier presence than the previous projects Harla has worked on, the young producer embarked the help from his girlfriend, guiding ‘When You’re Lonely’ to a more comforting and commercial appeal. She also appears as the backing vocalist.
Sounds like: Just Kiddin, Blonde, Joel Corry, Zac Samuel, Philip George, Tough Love, Joe Stone
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You can’t go wrong with a Future Classic release. Cue ‘Nowhere To Go’ – the new collab between Australian talents, Hayden James & NAATIONS.
NAATIONS is a duo made up of singer/songwriter Nat Dunn who co-wrote Marshmello & Anne-Marie’s hit track ‘FRIENDS’ + Charli XCX’s single, ‘5 In The Morning’ and ex-Van She member + DJ Nicky Night Time also has been producing and writing for the likes of Purple Disco Machine and Kaz James.
Check out the video below:
Catch them supporting Hayden James on his North American and Australian tour in September.
Sounds like: Blonde, Just Kiddin, Goldroom, Lights
Hayden James
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NAATIONS
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Introducing UK-based production duo and record label owners, WITHOUT.
Following closely in the paths of Blonde and Just Kiddin, WITHOUT create infectious dance music with a commercial edge. Their new single ‘I Want You’ perfectly encapsulates this and features some decent soulful vocals.
Sounds like: Just Kiddin, Blonde, The Magician, NVOY, Mura Masa
Malory – Blue Umbrella
Rising pop artist Malory shares the beautiful ‘Blue Umbrella’, which we have had on repeat all week.
Seeking inspiration from life actions, ‘Blue Umbrella’’ started life on a tube journey after Malory had observed a family and noticed the father had a sadness in his eyes and seemed strangely discontented.
The Londoner was later in the studio making an experimental instrumental with producer Danny George when they noticed there was a blue umbrella left in the studio, which Malory found represented the image of an unhappy corporate figure in the rain on his way home from work.
Expect her debut album ‘Cornucopia’ out on 1 March.
Sounds like: Zella Day, Aurora
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Noé – Pity Party
Raised between Hong Kong and Aix en Provence in France, Paris-born singer/songwriter Noé doesn’t want to fit inside a musical box any longer.
Not quite defining her sound, her low-tempo music gathers inspiration from a blend of Pop, R&B and alt-indie sounds, tied together through painfully honest lyrics.
Her new single, ‘Pity Party’ highlights Noé’s tendencies to overthink and sometimes feel sorry for herself.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ
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Crow – Go
Exciting new Argentinian/American artist Crow shares the sultry single ‘Go’.
The song channels the idea of courage – following brutality at the hands of bullies during Crow’s school years – with hypnotic and melodic soundscapes and introspective reflection.
Sounds like: Gwen Stefani, CHLØË BLACK
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Gold Spectacles – Courtside
Forming in London, Gold Spectacles is the collaborative output of two British songwriter/producers who create “baroque-pop”.
Their new single ‘Courtside’ focuses on dependence in a long distance relationship, and uses flute, spanish guitar with analog synths to create a post-modern landscape.
Sounds like: Lykke Li, Bombay Bicycle Club, San Fermin, Fyfe, Astronauts, Carousel, Dan Croll, Nick Leng, Bibio, ROSTAM
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Drinker – Something I Want
Brooklyn-based duo Drinker shares ‘Something I Want’ – a track slightly darker than your average musical tipple.
Inspired by a mututal love of James Blake, songwriter Aaron Mendelsohn and producer Ariel Loh “wanted to create a visually diverse and bold message with the video for “Something I Want” and enlisted the help of NY based LGBTQ focused film maker Tyler Byrnes. With the implementation of stop motion animation and found footage, we aimed for a stark and surreal aesthetic to paint America’s multi-generational story of consumerism.“
Sounds like: Thom Yorke, James Blake, Trentemoller, The Acid, Fever Ray, Sevdaliza, Tame Impala
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2CRE8 – Naughty Boy
Dutch DJ/producer duo 2CRE8 has today released their debut single ‘Naughty Boy’.
Having spent their time growing up together at high school, it was until a gig in December 2014 that everything fell into place and they decided to form a duo.
Check out ‘Naughty Boy’ with its bold dance-led lyrics and a catchy flute drop, which definitely hints at their playful side.
Sounds like: Harlee, Just Kiddin, Blonde, The Magician, Calvin Harris, Rihanna
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Ariela Jacobs – Missing You
Externalising her thoughts, Ariela Jacobs considers the concept of missing her old self in new song ‘Missing You’.
New York born and Melbourne bred, indie-pop singer-songwriter Ariela Jacobs was raised on a diet of literature and art. Her songwriting sends the listener on a journey both intimate and other-worldly; with melodies with clear folk-based lines, underscored by lush chords and pulsing rhythms.
Sounds like: Evvy, Linney, Goldroom, Le Youth
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We don’t usually share remixes but this one landed in our inbox and we couldn’t resist sharing.
It’s the TRU Concept remix of Toronto-based pop artist, Lo Lo‘s ‘Convenient’, in which she thanks TRU Concept for “reimagining my F#@K you pop song and turning it into a banging F#@K you dance track.”
Listen below.
Sounds like: Dominique, CAPPA
Lo Lo
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Sounds like: Gryffin, Blonde, Le Youth, Pat Lok, Just Kiddin, Kygo
TRU Concept
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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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Harlee – Now I Know
We recently discovered rising pop-star, Harlee and we haven’t been able to get enough of her stunning debut four-track EP, ‘It’s Personal’.
The lead single from the EP, ‘Now I Know’, was written when Harlee was just 14 and explores the feelings that she experienced coming out of her first relationship and the first time she had ever felt pain.
Sounds like: Jess Glynne, Blonde, Dua Lipa
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WYVE – Sunset on the Bay
Emphatic electro-pop band WYVE from France share their upbeat debut single, ‘Sunset on the Bay’.
Groovy by nature, WYVE effortlessly bounce between 80’s retro vibes and contemporary drumbeats and sugary synths. Having already made a start on their debut album, we are excited about what’s to come from the musical pioneers.
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Anna Pancaldi – Peace
Anna Pancaldi releases her guitar-driven song, ‘Peace’.
Since working with producer Matt Ingram (Florence & The Machine, Lianne La Havas, Laura Marling), Pancaldi has really got down to business honing her sound and adding more grit to her already heart-felt songwriting skills.
On ‘Peace’, Pancaldi states,
“A challenge at first but now an exhilarating awakening having discovered and then explored the electric guitar. ‘Peace’ is my first ‘foot stomper’ track which I think will surprise listeners who’ve been on the journey with me so far. It feels a bold evolution for me so here we go.”
Sounds like: London Grammar, Adele, Rhye, Birdy, Maiday, Courtney Barnett
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OSTON – bad
We stumbled upon Chicago-based newbie OSTON on SoundCloud randomly this morning and just had to include her debut single ‘bad’ in our weekly gems.
The Chicago-based songstress embraces the misfit world, snuggling up nicely to acts such as Billie Eilish and RALPH, with her captivating take on pop.
Expect her ‘Sitting at the Kids Table,’ EP soon.
Sounds like: Billie Eilish, VÉRITÉ, RALPH
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Calper x Latir – Run To The Moon
Uk producer Calper and North London artist Latir have teamed up on new single ‘Run To The Moon’.
With it’s subtle of hints of dance sensibilities, the track never quite takes off in that direction, but it’s not big deal as we absolutely love the romantic escapism inspired in the track.
Sounds like: Craig David, Bipolar Sunshine, Ayelle
Calper
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Latir
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Tep No – Fighting
Canadian producer and remixer, Tep No, returns with new single ‘Fighting’.
Summer-ready production, floating vocals, and topics of melancholy make this the perfect way to see through the end of summer.
Speaking about his brand-new single ‘Fighting’, he says,
“‘Fighting’ is about the difficulty of breakups and moving past relationships, feeling like a part is taken away when it’s over, the loneliness, not knowin how to move on.”
Sounds like: Robin Schulz, Klingande, Goldroom, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Bon Iver, Summer Heart, Washed Out, Day Wave
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Super Duper – Horizons
Experimenting with vocal chops and melodic riffs, ‘Horizons’ is upbeat and memorable.
Exciting Nashville producer and creator Super Duper has managed to do something unheard of – create a repetitive song that is quite simply addictive, and in no way annoying. Even Super Duper puts it on repeat, and you should too.
Sounds like: Kasbo, Petit Biscuit, Big Wild
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Wow, this is one GIANT sound from a little lady known as Harlee.
Originally from Cheshire, Harlee has gained a local and international reputation for penning fantastic pop tracks and putting on exciting gigs. She signed to NYC-based label, 5Towns Records (ADA/Warner), at just 15.
Skip forward a few years, and Harlee is releasing ‘GIANT’, a gem of a single that effortlessly flickers between pop and dance universes, written about a colossal and limitless love.
Sounds like: Jess Glynne, Blonde, Dua Lipa
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London-based producer, A-Minor has turned to singing in his new single, ‘Next To You’.
He has already produced remixes for Raleigh Ritchie, Yousef and Bipolar Sunshine, so it’s no shock that ‘Next To You’ is just as fresh.
It’s a highly melodic number, with tidy drum patterns and generous nods to commercial house music throughout. A perfect one for summer, so polish those flip flops!
Sounds like: Just Kiddin, The Him, Blonde, Zac Samuel
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Evvy
We’ve had our indietronica eyes on New York-based Evvy since the release of ‘Collide’, which was produced by Mickey Valen.
EVVY’s new single ‘Tidal Wave’ has met our expectations. The track still has Evvy’s distinctive vocals, but the production has taken a glimmering tropical turn, and it’s hella catchy.
We strongly believe this is the track that will sky rocket Evvy to pop stardom.
Sounds like: Foxes, Jax Jones, Noosa, Ayer, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Blonde
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