Tag Archives: Canada

Weekly Gems 104

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Crush – All My Plants Are Dead

Crush

Ambient grunge-pop band Crush will be your latest just that.

Their latest single, ‘All My Plants Are Dead’ exhales Millenial dilemmas, of struggling to look after your houseplants, and yourselves in a bittersweet yet discordant offering.

Sounds like: Diiv, The Cure, Alvvays

SoundCloud

Alex Porat – Only Hanging Out Cause I’m Lonely

Alex Porat - Only Hanging Out Cause I'm Lonely

Alex Porat – Only Hanging Out Cause I’m Lonely

Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Porat draws us in with her new single about dating for the sake of dating.

It’s another slice of lighthearted bubblegum pop with an irresistible indifference about the opposite sex.

Sounds like: RALPH, Anna Of The North

SoundCloud

Sarpa Salpa – Lost Time

Sarpa Salpa

Alt-pop band Sarpa Salpa always strive to create upbeat, danceable tracks with unexpected changes and hidden meanings. The new video for their single ‘Lost Time’ aptly features a selection of tour clips showing this.

With support from Jack Saunders and Bombay Bicycle Club, definitely tune into these guys.

Sounds like: Island Club, Larkins, FEET, Two Door Cinema Club

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Cassia – Do Right

Cassia - Do Right

Very much up to date with indie-pop trends, UK based trio Cassia, shares latest jam, ‘Do Right’, which talks about waking up to what’s happening in the world and making a conscious decision of wanting to make a positive change.

The video is set in sunny isolation. We love their all round positivity and sun drenched calypso sound.

Sounds like: Dancing on Tables, Vampire Weekend, Bombay Bicycle Club, Still Woozy

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Chloe Tang – Fanning The Flame

Chloe Tang

R&B artist Chloe Tang shares her latest single, offering a less rosy-colored side of love and youth.

Full of angst, she tells us how it is in ‘Fanning The Flame’. This isn’t a romantic gesture, this is a slow burn about knowing you’re trapped in a bad romance and knowing you’re powerless to escape it.

Sounds like: Banks, LeyeT

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LEV – It Was U

LEV by Helen Jade

LEV by Helen Jade

Dallas pop artist Holly Peyton – aka LEV – shares the driving force that is ‘It Was U’.

Echoes of HAIM meets Erasure, this breezy 80’s inspired powerful story of triumph. Listen below.

Sounds like: Christine & The Queens, HAIM, RALPH, Erasure

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Magnus Bechmann – What Do You Know

Magnus Bechmann

Magnus Bechmann‘s new release, ‘What Do You Know’ is the first single out from his upcoming album, which chronicles nine awkward situations from everyday life.

Considering a situation where you find yourself in a relationship that is better to get out of than to stay in, this is glistening indie pop that marks a bright new chapter in Magnus’ career.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club

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This Boy – Heart Is Broken

This Boy

We know very little about experimental pop newcomer, This Boy from Denmark.

The duo’s first single, ‘Heart Is Broken’ drops just a few weeks ahead of their debut album – an unusual and bold move in a single release-dominated pop landscape.

Sounds like: The 1975, Becky Hill

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Cap’n Marble – Come 2 California

Cap'n Marble - Come 2 California

Cap’n Marble – Come 2 California

Cap’n Marble is a group led by frontmen, John Dasilva and Ryan Arshonsky.

Seamlessly blending breezy psych-pop with hand-crafted indie sounds, they invite you to sit back, relax, and dream of California.

Sounds like: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bad Sounds

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Runrummer – I Like Getting High (But Not All The Time)

Runrummer

Whilt growing up, 25-year old East London-based singer-songwriter Runrummer (real name Livi Morris) faced a struggle to find herself as she came to terms with her sexuality and gender identity.

Addressing serious issues in the juxtaposed context of upbeat, electronic-pop anthems, she aims to inspire and strives to work with other creators in the LGBTQ+ space.

Sounds like: Shura, Lilly Allen, Georgia

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Weekly Gems 101

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fakelife – Drugs All Night

fakelife by Dillon Couchois

Matt Couchois of atmospheric indie-pop project, fakelife, releases invigorating new single, ‘Drugs All Night’.

You can almost sense the energetic tension as Matt sings about a tumultuously toxic romantic relationship – what more could you want from a nightclub pop anthem?

Sounds like: The Knocks, Great Good Fine Ok, RAC, La Poré

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BLOODHYPE – Violent Heart

BLOODHYPE - Violent Heart

Born from a simple plan – make music friends in a flatshare in former East Berlin, BLOODHYPE is a Berlin-based, independent gang of four that demand to be noticed.

Masterminded by frontman Weyland and UK producer John “P Nut” Harrison (Amy Winehouse, Alice Merton), their new single ‘Violent Heart’ caught us from the get-go. It’s an addictive slice of modern indie pop full of 80’s inspired self-pity.

Sounds like: Ten Fé, Larkins, Dancing On Tables

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Limón Limón – Normal Now

Limón Limón - Normal Now

Los Angeles duo Limón Limón offer a zesty take on the past and the future with their captivating nostalgic soundscape sound.

The new single, ‘Normal Now’ is about being yourself in a world that is always trying to turn you into someone else.

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids

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Tina Boonstra – Out of my depth

Tina Boonstra

Churchgoer-turned-open mic singer Tina Boonstra has shared her interesting new track, ‘Out of my depth’.

With a sharp emotional intensity, you can feel the angst bubbling underneath as the track progresses into a crushingly honest rage against the universe, God and insomnia.

Sounds like: Regina Spektor

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SUMif – Collide

SUMif - Collide

SUMif shares her sensual new single, ‘Collide’.

Written after an enlightening, whirlwind romance, it’s a heady mixture of naivete, recklessness, seduction, and soulful connection.

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

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NoMBe – HEELS

NoMBe - HEELS

German-born, Los Angeles-based indie artist NoMBe shares ‘HEELS’, a catchy AF funk-laden jam.

Oozing sass upon sass, it’s taken from his upcoming concept album, ‘CHROMATOPIA’ which is built upon the spectrum of colour and the spectrum of sexuality.

Sounds like: The Knocks, Jungle

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Foreign Fields – Rose Colored

Foreign Fields

Foreign Fields is US-based Eric Hillman and Brian Holl, who create a bewitching melting pot of acoustic sounds.

As with all promising folk contenders, the duo wrote and recorded their upcoming album, ‘The Beauty of Survival’ in the winter in a back-to-basics cabin with no heating built by a two-man father-and-son team in Western Wisconsin.

Listen to ‘Rose Colored’ below.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Billie Eilish

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Bronze Whale – Let’s Go Walk

Bronze Whale - Let's Go Walk

Bronze Whale like to walk a lot. During this time, they talk about things they want to accomplish, music stuff and dinner.

This where the lyrical inspiration came for ‘Let’s Go Walk’, a resonating and atmospheric electronic piece about love, loss and learning. It’s out now on their own label, Magic Magic.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-j, OTR, CLN, Golden Vessel, Autograf

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The Policy Feat. CUT_ – NLYU

Dutch-based The Policy teams up with CUT_ to create the looping, synth-based, and nostalgic ‘NLYU’.

Looping lyrics reflect a DIY attitude, after all it’s only you who can make it come true.

Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Todd Terje, Jessie Ware, Disclosure, Kylie Minogue

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Zoë Phillips – Love Is Gone

Zoë Phillips - Love Is Gone

Multi-instrumentalist Zoë Phillips combines country with beautiful folktronica. Think Dolly Parton meets Bombay Bicycle Club.

Set for the same level of fandom, Phillips has already seen plenty of support from the BBC, and her new single ‘Love Is Gone’ is going to propel her closer.

Sounds like: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Bombay Bicycle Club, Lucy Rose, Maggie Rogers, Birdy

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HUMANS – Beggin

HUMANS

Looking like they are having the best time, the video footage was taken from many of their past videos plus some extra shots from 2010 to 2019.

HUMANS is a Canadian indie-electronic duo made up of musicians Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq. Focusing on performance and production styles of both the past and present, HUMANS have consistently impressed upon audiophiles with their technical and compositional skills.

Sounds like: Madcon, Digitalism, Rudimental

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Fí – all i have

Fí - all i have

Dublin-based self-taught musician, Fí drops ‘all i have’.

Written and intended as a diary entry, the electro-pop number holds a collection of emotions following a break up. Listen below.

Sounds like: Halsey, Låpsley, VERITE

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Mannequin Online – I Do

Mannequin Online - I Do

Introducing Zach DeGaetano and Bridget Boltz – aka Mannequin Online.

Pushing sonic and ideational barriers with gritty, yet refreshing off-kilter pop, may their sound forever remain bright, gritty, and unapologetic. Listen to ‘I Do’ and check out the glorious Gorgeous guitar solo.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Poolside, VHS Collection, The Knocks, Miami Horror

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Weekly Gems 99

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Alfie Neale – Vices

Alfie Neale

Brighton-based singer/songwriter Alfie Neale shares his latest laid back and soul sweeping single, ‘Vices’.

It’s a song that describes the importance of the little things in life and a support network to help you through the fun times, and the more serious.

Sounds like: Yakul, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei

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JupiterMoon – The Reason

JupiterMoon

Young Midlands-based quartet JupiterMoon is causing a bit of a ruckus.

Their energetic choruses and Asian influenced guitar hooks are written for sweaty, intimate venues. Conjuring up homegrown rock anthems at Blank Studios in Nercastle, their strongest track to date ‘The Reason’ is all the justification you need.

Sounds like: Foals, Blossoms

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A Is For Arrows – Roses

A Is For Arrows

Toronto electro-pop duo A Is For Arrows shares the lush new single, ‘Roses’.

Echoes of heartbreak glistened with a retro glow, this is easy listening electronica at its best. Listen below.

Sounds like: Lights, Jocelyn Alice, Goldroom, RAC, Le Youth, Broods

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Mokita – colorblind

Mokita

Nashville’s John-Luke Carter, aka Mokita, is a singer/songwriter/producer known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop.

Classically trained in piano in his youth, he later taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production. Taking a rewind to his classical routes, Mokita shares an orchestral version of ‘colorblind’ and it’s spellbounding.

Sounds like: Nirob Islam, EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND

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Tsar B – Unpaintable

Tsar B

Effortless and majestic with a highly cinematic yet vulnerable approach, Tsar B‘s single, ‘Unpaintable’, sees her functioning as a one-woman orchestra, songwriter, producer and singer.

An ode to the muddled emotions people that are too intelligent to just live a normal life feel; ‘They are uncatchable. They are unpaintable.”

Sounds like: GRAACE, Billie Eilish, FKA Twigs, ÄTNA

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Seafret – Magnetic

Seafret - Magnetic

The coastal town of Bridlington isn’t the first place in the UK that you think has a buzzing music scene, but we’ve stumbled upon the brilliant Seafret, who have proved us wrong.

Made up of Jack Sedman and Harry Draper, their new single ‘Magnetic’ is an indie-pop anthem at it’s finest – addictive vocal harmonies and commercial riffs, complete with a killer pop chorus

Sounds like: Kodaline, Amber Run, Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi

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Luna Li – Trying

Luna Li - Trying

Luna Li (fka VEINS) shares the brooding new single, ‘Trying’.

A undeniable strong presence in the alt-pop world, Luna Li uses and blends her 14 years of classical piano and violin training with dreamy rock, to create a vulnerable and distorted sound.

Sounds like: Lykki Li, Niki & The Dove, Oh Land, Perfume Genius

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Matt Simons – Cold

Matt Simons

L.A Songwriter Matt Simons shares ‘Cold’ – a powerful piece of electronic pop that blends nostalgia and melancholic sentiment.

Speaking about the track, which has been released in time for any Valentine’s Day pessimist, he explains,

“People change, and change in any relationship is inevitable. The only question is, can the two people change together and adapt? Cold is about a relationship where they did not.”

Sounds like: Ruel, JP Cooper, Zak Abel

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Dräger – New Life

Dräger

An introvert at heart, Dräger creates unabashed synth pop bangers born from a modern heartbreak.

Co-produced by House producer LEFTI, the single ‘New Life’ marks a fresh start for the singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Spencer Draeger, as he uses sounds of the past to channel themes of the modern age, taking a satirical approach to the narcissisms and anxiety illuminated through technology.

Sounds like: New Order, Soft Cell, Holy Ghost!, Dansu, The Cure, White Lies, Cocteau Twins

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Weekly Gems 92

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Younger Hunger – Second Best

Younger Hunger

Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.

Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.

Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.

Sounds like: APRE, Sea Girls, Low Island

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Urchin – Without No Fear

Urchin - Without No Fear

Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.

‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

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Birthh – Yello / Concrete

Birthh - Yello / Concrete

Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.

The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds

Sounds like: Mallrat

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I AM KARATE – Hey Love

I AM KARATE

Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.

Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,

“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”

Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange

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NoMBe – Paint California

NoMBe

German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.

The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives

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Ronika – Solitaire

Ronika - Solitaire

Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.

Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.

Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie

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George Eve – One Track Mind

George Eve - One Track Mind

George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.

From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.

He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Glass Animals

SoundCloud | Instagram

Constance – Work Hard

Constance - Work Hard

Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.

With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.

Sounds like: Lorde, NEONHEART, Billie Eilish

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Nina Chuba – Lips Shut

Nina Chuba

20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.

Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.

Sounds like: Lorde, Billie Eilish, Lauren Sanderson

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KOKO – Freak (Acoustic)

KOKO - Freak

Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.

They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”

Sounds like: Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar

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Gigi Rowe – Promises

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.

The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.

Sounds like: Ralph, Great Good Fine Ok, LANY

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Jenny Kern – Satellite

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Jenny Kern

We’ve been blown away by Jenny Kern‘s beautiful voice in her new single, ‘Satellite’.

The Canadian-born, New York-based film and TV producer turned singer-songwriter draws on her own experiences as her songs unfold through a confessional-style delivery revealing the strength that can only come through vulnerability.

The new single is produced by Andy Seltzer (Maggie Rogers, Chelsea Cutler). Speaking of the track, Kern explains,

“It’s almost cathartic, sharing emotion. Being open is not an easy feat for anyone. I want people to know that these songs come from an honest place. We all struggle to find comfort in ourselves while being open to the unexpected.”

Sounds like: Chelsea Cutler, Edward + Jane

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Weekly Gems 84

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REECE – Last Time

REECE

REECE shares the heartbreaking song, ‘Last Time’.

REECE’s voice is both chilling and poetic, as he contemplates finding the strength to walk away when a relationship turns sour. Listen below.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean

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Eloise Viola – Wait In Line

Eloise Viola

London singer-songwriter Eloise Viola refuses to be second best in her new single, ‘Wait In Line’.

With another energetic pop anthem, Viola is both vocally and lyrically on point, and with a positive message promoting body positivity and self-love, what’s not to love?

Sounds like: Anne Marie, Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson

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KYRI – Sanctuary

KYRI

In a love letter to mother nature, London-based KYRI bares all in his new single, ‘Sanctuary’.

Using his voice for good, KYRI explores themes of rebirth, nature, spirituality and the deepest corners of our humanity with his music, heavily influenced from his childhood of Greek Orthodox churches, gospel choirs & forests, through to London’s intoxicating LGBTQ+ club culture.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Rosie Lowe, Gallant, Birdy, James Blake

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Danny George – Sincerity

Danny George

Producer-turned-solo artist Danny George shares highly accessible new track, ‘Sincerity’

Now residing in Berlin, George has gained a new perspective and musical inspiration, translating into music that has soul and electronica with hints of R&B and indie.

His first full EP ‘Crushed Comfort’ will drop early next year.

Sounds like: Ayelle, Malory, Latir, Lolé

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Akurei – Quarter Tank Full

Akurei

Alt-pop artist Akurei shares ‘Quarter Tank Full’, taken from his sophomore EP, ‘September’.

Minimalistic beats surround smooth R&B electronic, as Akurei dissects the quarter life crisis he had last year.

Sounds like: LA Bouquet, LANY, The 1975

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BENJII – I Won’t Die For You

BENJII

Introducing Vancouver-based singer/songwriter and guitarist BENJII – aka Benji Klassen.

His new single, ‘I Won’t Die For You’ is a moody alt-pop track driven by rock-tinged vocals and textual guitar riffs, and as refreshing as the BC mountain dew.

Sounds like: John Mayer

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Chloe Lilac – Special

Chloe Lilac - Special

Brooklyn-based bedtime producer Chloe Lilac shares her fun new pop single, ‘Special’.

Within the last year, Chloe has gone from sheer obscurity self-producing songs in her bedroom to signing with RCA, releasing a debut EP, and now has a 2nd EP in the pipeline. No mean feat.

Sounds like: Charlotte Lawrence, Sasha Sloan, Tessa Violet

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OTR – Drive ft. Panama

OTR

Aerospace engineer-turned-producer, OTR returns with the brilliant new single ‘Drive, featuring Sydney-based synthpop standout, Panama.

Changing the tempo up a litte, the duo have successfully built a world containing movement and sound, with a tinge of vulnerability.

‘Drive’ is out now via Astralwerks.

Sounds like: Kasbo, Shallou, Hotel Garuda, Gryffin, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Porter Robinson

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Weekly Gems 83

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Sainte Barae – Power + Control

Sainte Barae

The brilliant Australian artist Saint Barae returns with an intimate and nostalgic offering through his latest single ‘Power + Control’.

In a raw and empowering message behind the song, Saint Barae begins to open up as he takes us into a very personal and intimate tale of handling his sexuality with the people that mean the most to him.

Sounds Like: Téléphonik Muzik, Tame Impala

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Die Orangen – Sonne

Since listening to Die Orangen‘s single, ‘Sonne’, we’ve become slightly obsessed with their psychdelia approach to industrial sounds.

Having originally forged their partnership in the diverse electronic music scene of Australia, Kris  Baha and Angus Gruzman recently decamped to the thriving Berlin scene to develop their dark and pulsing industrial-inspired productions.

Pre-Order it on Apple Music

Sounds like: Nine Inch Nails, My Bloody Valentine, The Chemical Brothers

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Somebody’s Child – Jungle

Somebody's Child - Jungle

Irish-born, indie artist, Somebody’s Child returns his frenetic new single ‘Jungle’.

Usng music as a platform to discuss topics of mental health, ‘Jungle’ is a nervous yet honest display of indelible guitar riffs and beautifully coarse vocals.

Sounds like: Foals, Mystery Jets, Arctic Monkeys

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Royal Cinema – CHA-CHING

These ladies are having a fun time, and we want to be involved.

Royal Cinema was formed by longtime friends Johanna Cranitch, Isaac Carpenter and Sydney Wayser who, having spent years playing in their own solo projects and in other various touring bands such as The Cranberries, LORDE and Awolnation, decided they wanted an additional musical outlet where they could let loose and have fun.

Their new single is ‘CHA-CHING’ – a self-produced, pulsing pop track.

Sounds like: B52s, Goldfrapp, Sofi Tukker

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Tessa Dixson – Hiding

tessa-dixson-site-1024x682

Tessa Dixson is back with another bittersweet single, in the form os ‘Hiding’.

Once again produced by Reinhard Vanbergen and mixed by Neil Comber (M.I.A., Charli XCX) is a silky and bittersweet affair.

Tessa’s torn but soulful voice is high up in the mix, locking you in from the first verse. The chorus is huge, there’s a sitar hook and warm backing vocals guiding you through the raw emotions of the song.

Sounds like: The xx, Kllo, Grace Carter, Lorde, Billie Eilish

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HÅN – It’s Better When I Sleep

HÂN

Taking more of a The Japanese House vibe, HÂN shares the dreamy new single, ‘It’s Better When I Sleep’.

Considering the topic of sleeping, simply as it is – a necessary process that is both “intimate and reassuring, but also imaginary and illusionary”.

Take shelter and listen now.

Sounds like: Daughter, Skott, The Japanese House

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Aaricia – For Two

Aaricia

The darker shades of pop music have risen to the top of the pile of late, with artists like Banks consistently enthralling a captivated audience and Billie Eilish sensationalism reaching much of the world. Aiming for a slice of that pie is Montreal’s Aaricia, who balances her darker ethos with a soaring, honeyed vocal.

Her new single is equal parts sugar and spice, with Aaricia outlining ‘For Two’ is about desire and fantasy. It’s about that one person you can’t resist. You can try to play it cool but, in the end, you know you’ll succumb to temptation.

Sounds like: Liyv, CLAVVS, Charlee Remitz, Tessa Rae

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archmotors – Sitcom

archmotors

From the west coast of Ireland comes a distinct blend of alternative rock and post-punk that simultaneously rides a wave of nostalgia whilst sitting ahead of the contemporary curve. archmotors, a duo with prowess and skill that extends far beyond their meagre membership, second single to date ‘Sitcom’ is darkly humorous in the most compelling way.

Fans of older video games will be charmed by the ‘point and click’ style video accompaniment – a perfect pairing, tune in below.

Sounds like: The National

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Playlist: Tep No

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Tep No

Canadian producer, Tep No is one of our favs, and it’s been a minute since we last supported his music on the blog.

Exhilarating production of the highest order complemented by emotively tinged vocals from fellow music enthusiast, Joycelyn Alice, his new single ‘Never Been Hurt Before’ is another entry into the growing back catalogue of an exciting up and comer.

He’s put together an excellent playlist of his favourite tunes right now. Take a listen below.

Riah – Heartbreak Magic
Good engaging voice and nice 80’s production on it.

Grady – 500 Days of Summer
Interesting voice, high-end production on it.

Aalta, Lenachka – Closer Than Ever
Great immersive song, very dreamy

Elohim – TV
Very very distinct voice, really well carved out production and well thought out lyrics, everything gels so well. Lots of feeling in her voice and lyrics.

Toro Y Moi – Balance (Feat. Washed Out)
What can I say, 2 of my favorite artists ever, and what drove me for the longest time. Dreamy song, it makes you feel like everything will be fine. And the song is 4:20 minutes long I mean.

Liyv – In My Guccis
Relatable, I work hard in my Guccis I mean. What else is there to say.

Noirre – numb
The production is so wild on this, so well done.

Broods – Peach
Amazing song, I can relate to the lyrics, I’ve listened to this 1000 times. The pre-chorus is insanely good.

bülow – Get Stupid
Really quirky song from fellow Torontonian. Great voice, catchy lyrics and clean production.

Hazey Eyes Feat. Moli – Hungover You
I’m always feeling hungover these days so I can relate. Nice natural-sounding vocals mixed with 80s production.

‘Never Been Hurt Before’ is out now on Ultra Music.

Sounds like: Gryffin, Goldroom, Odesza, The Chainsmokers, Washed Out, Summer Heart, Bon Iver

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Weekly Gems 77

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Margot Polo – Let’s Get Out

Margot Polo

Margot Polo (aka David Provenzano) releases his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’.

A song about breaking out of routine ruts (something he is guilty of), Polo has teamed up with esteemed producer, Brad Wood, and their main goal with the track was to create a fun and huge chorus…and they have definitely succeeded.

Expect a five-song EP out this fall.

Sounds like: Von Sell, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles

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Holt – Tower

Holt

We all have safe pillars in our lives and London based self-taught singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Holt is no exception.

Using her father as the reference in her new single, the lyrics tell a non-linear story about that is capable of transporting the listener to another world.

Sounds like: RUNAH, Bat for Lashes, Björk, Enya, Massive Attack, Nils Frahm

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Bokito – Freckle

Bokito

Indie-funk band Bokito releases their new single ‘Freckle Leather’. Often mistaken for a heavy metal band, Bokito bring back their combination of signature hooks, unshakeable melodies and playful lyrics. A tightly-packaged, uproarious mix of indie, rock and perfect pop cadence that hooks listeners in straight at the first beat.

At first, ‘Freckle Leather’ reminds of Vampire Weekend, however, the five-piece stand their ground pretty quick and combine a lot of different styles. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jeff Buckley and Justin Timberlake, the group created a completely new sound of modern indie regulated by ergonomic melodies.

Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, Two Door Cinema Club, Stereohoney, Shiners

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The Hails – Sugar

The Hails

Inspired by the cool glamour and fast life of the Miami Vice era, The Hails share their new song ‘Sugar’.

With its danceable beats and 80’s synth pop influence, ‘Sugar’ is a crafty juxtaposition that melds truth and fiction with the lyrics telling the story about a girl who lives life brazenly and recklessly.

The five-piece from Miami have met at Florida University and since then have dedicated their unique sound with classic drum machines to create an irresistible trademark sound of their own.

Sounds like: Sade, Hippo Campus, Kid Bloom

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Halfloves – Polvo

American indie band Halfloves releases their latest release ‘Polvo’ from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Dazer’, out on August 30.

‘Polvo’ is a fresh new indie addition with melodic riffs and upbeat drums. With its carefree instrumentals and dreamy lyrics, the song is only a taster of what the upcoming album has to promise.

“We recorded this song in a barn in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa where the classic NY studio ‘Magic Shop’ has found a new home, now dubbed the ‘Magic Barn’.”

The band praise themselves on having recorded ‘Polvo’ in the same studio that Bowie, Björk, Coldplay and many others used to make some of the most defining records of our time.

Sounds like: Clinic Blonde, Two Door Cinema Club

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Vacation Club – Always or Never

Vacation Club

‘Always Or Never’ is the latest single released by the edgy, yet colourful band Vacation Club.

Written and produced by the band themselves, the laid back and catchy pop song elevates the perfect combination of upbeat beats and Helena Hahn’s beautiful vocals. The band has taken a raw and youthful approach towards the journey of love heightening both the highs and the lows.

Sounds like: LANY, Pale Waves, The 1975, Donna Lewis

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Noble Oak – Evaporate

Noble Oak

Canadian-born, singer-songwriter Noble Oak has released his latest single ‘Evaporate’.

The song features his melancholic, beautiful vocals combined with captivating instrumentals he’s Oak yet again managed to create a dreamy release that will sound even better performed live on a big stage.

Noble Oak’s full-length debut album with Last Gang is set for worldwide release in 2020.

Sounds like: Luna Pines, Tame Impala

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Playlist: Illyin Pipes

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Illyin Pipes

Introducing Illyin Pipes, a blissed-out pop duo from Toronto.

Their mutual affinity for textured soundscapes, layered harmonies and heavy electronic synths, fully presents itself in their melancholic debut EP, ‘Waking Up’.

We asked Illyin Pipes to put together a playlist for Indietronica to coincide with the EP release.

Little Dragon – Feather
Have always loved Little Dragon and Feather feels like a dreamy modern take on 80s synth-pop meets 90s trip-hop. I love a vibey vocal and airy synth over a driving bass line.

Arthur Russel – That’s Us/Wild Combination
I heard this song for the first time two years ago and fell deeply in love with it. I had a challenging couple of months shortly after finding it and truly couldn’t listen to any other song. Just this over and over. And it’s still my very top favourite.

Radiohead – House of Cards
Everything Thom Yorke touches is a dream to me. His solo releases are beautiful and I love his contemporary dance music videos. House of Cards is on this list because it’s so perfectly vulnerable, and my top pick from “In Rainbow’s” which I come back to all the time.

Brian Eno – The Big Ship
I usually listen to Brian Eno’s hour-long tracks, but Big Ship is a cinematic, emotional shorty.

10CC – I’m Not In Love
I discovered this song in high school and burned it onto a CD with a bunch of my other favourites at the time. Still playlisting it a decade later! It’s so soft and I love the weird whisper section partway through.

Hundred Waters – Murmurs
I love Hundred Waters’ quiet vocals and acoustic piano over bold drum choices/effects.

Solange – Losing You
Such a sweet pop song. Dev Hyne’s nails the writing/production.

Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place/Naive Melody
David Byrne’s lyrics are amazing and the repetitive bass line makes me want to listen to it forever. The live version from “Stop Making Sense” is so good.

Jon Hopkins – Open Eye Signal
This song transports me to a dark club fantasy in my mind. I have closed my eyes and danced to this song many times.

Aphex Twin – #3 (Rhubarb)
This song is what got me into ambient music. Airy/calming/sweet/meditative. I often listen to it when I’m writing.

Blood Orange – Best to You Feat. Empress Of
Another Dev Hynes track but a duet with Empress of. So dancy!

Beach House – Sparks
I love the steady shoegaze-y guitar and alto vocals. I’m also a sucker for songs that don’t change chords at the bridge: altering the melody of the vocal for a moment, or going to an interlude is always my songwriting instinct.

Massive Attack – Teardrop
The vocals are an inspiration: so close they’re almost whispered, then building dynamically at all the right times.

Washed Out – Feel it All Around
Dreamy, lo-fi, psychedelic, synth-pop <3

The Cars – Drive
Total 80s heaven. I love the subtle and emotional lyrics. We’ve covered this live a couple of times and it feels really nice to play.

You can listen to the EP below.

Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, Lykke Li, RALPH, Vera Blue, BANKS, Washed Out

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