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Weekly Gems 54

Malory – Blue Umbrella

Malory

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

Noé

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

Crow

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

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

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

2CRE8

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

Ariela Jacobs

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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Chelsea Lankes – Easy

Chelsea Lankes - Easy

We are on a bit of journey of self-love at the moment, and it appears that Chelsea Lankes may well be too.

Having just married, Chelsea’s musical direction has shifted from heartache pop to “be true to yourself” power ballads and we love the new sound.

Listen to ‘Easy’ below.

Sounds like: MUNA, Wet, Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko, Remmi, Cappa

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Playlist: Chelsea Lankes

Chelsea Lankes

It’s not long until the end of the year, and what better way to see 2017 through with a playlist from Chelsea Lankes. This one goes out to all the ladies, and is probably one of the best playlists we’ve ever had! Lucky you!

“Here are some favorites over the last couple months including songs from favorite albums this year: SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, YOUTH, Lorde and Wolf Alice. Also I put a few singles from female pop artists I love and respect! To be enjoyed while driving at night, at low key parties, showering or anywhere you might sing really loud alone. 🙂”

…And whilst we have you, give Chelsea’s new track a spin too.

Sounds like: MUNA, Wet, Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko, Remmi, Cappa

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Scavenger Hunt – River Runs Dry

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Electro pop duo, Scavenger Hunt (aka Dan Mufson and Jill Lamoureux), make a return with ‘River Runs Dry’.

It’s the first single off their forthcoming EP, and once again offers a driving-beat sound with soaring vocals and xylophone accents.

Sounds like: Priest, Goldroom, Grimes, Ladyhawke, HAERTS, I BREAK HORSES, Carousel, Washed Out, Dragonette, Shura, Capital Cities

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Playlist: Someday River

Someday River

Someday River

Someday River are a psych folk band from Florida, who have been together for just one year.

Greyson Charnock, the band’s primary songwriter and frontman, says that their new EP, ‘Sleeping Sideways’ is about “finding good in the face of an insane world” and notes “accepting mistakes and carrying on” as another key theme on the release.

The boys put together a playlist for us. Listen below.

TOPS – Way You Want To Be Loved
This song is an instant go-to for gatherings with friends. A real mood setter… sexy track! I recommend the song “Sleeptalker” from TOPS as well, among others.

Levek – Black Mold Grow
Another song chock full of vibezzz – show this song to someone and they will trust your musical judgment for eternity~~ also see “Look on the Bright Side”

Jude Shuma – Wandering
Up and comers from Chicago, this group just put out a three song EP in December and it is repeat-worthy to say the least. Lo-Fi basement grooves for days.

Local Natives – Past Lives
Most recent single from Local Natives has a massive-bassy presence making it a pure feel-good necessity.

SWIMM – All the Time
Atmospheric ethereality, this song paints a feeling.. it’s the one you’re looking for. Florida-born boys making waves in the Psych/folk/indie world.

Goldensuns – I Feel This Place
Salt Lake City/ LA Transplants, the new Goldensuns EP really holds water, and luckily so. It’s enough to get us through the heat of the summer.

The Shouting Matches – Gallup, NM
Nostalgia in a pure form, this song takes you back wherever you want to go. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon flexing his artistic range with this band, auto-tune not included.

Pinegrove – Old Friends
Found this song on YouTube, immediately hooked.. Pinegrove has several really incredible arrangements. I also suggest “Aphasia” and “Cadmium” among others. Check out some acoustic renditions from this NJ group on-the-rise.

Chad VanGaalen – Peace on the Rise
This tune rolls slow and steady through an apathetic dreamworld.. There is so much subtlety and intentionality behind the arrangement, I think that’s what keeps me coming back.

Sego – Wicket Youth
Contemporary, Pop Sensible, Avant – Sego always delivers on the art-music.. Here’s one of their most catchy tunes. Their songs rise to a new level when you see the videos that accompany them, aaaand go!

Robert Cray – Do That For Me
After hearing this song nearly 15 years ago at a soup kitchen in Atlanta… It was stuck in my head until I more recently discovered who/what it was by Googling the lyrics. Thank goodness I found my way back to this song. The arrangement and musicianship are a ripe source of inspiration for me.

Van Morrison – I’m Not Feeling It Anymore
Van at his finest here. No introduction or explanation needed… an absolute classic, Sunday morning pick me up.

Vulfpeck – Wait for the Moment
Sometimes you want the funk, sometimes you want the soul. Take both from Vulfpeck.. This band has some serious chops, and they do it all while having a damn good time. Positive vibrations are unavoidable on any track of theirs.

Fat Night – Someday
Orlando/Chicago boys really showing range with this track. Soul/Funk with pop sensibilities and a touch of Calypso combine for this unique song. Their live performance can border on Acid-Jazz. Look out for these guys; they are on the rise in a real way.

Julien Baker – Something
I am so enamoured with Julien Baker; her multiplicity of live recordings on you tube go to show that she is the real deal, voice and guitar work that you can rely on 100% every time. All of her songs are moving in their theory as well as delivery.

Nick Mulvey – Fever To The Form
A well know artist from England, Nick Mulvey doing what he does best with this song; potentially a perfect formula of restraint and production. Delivery and Control; this song has one hell of a progressive build for a folk tune.

Dustin Tebbutt – The Breach
Heard this song on some random indie playlist a couple years back. Dustin Tebbutt has his focus and his ideas in order. Beautiful and simple, this arrangement does it for me.

Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
This is the original version of the song. Released in 1987, it was at the top of the pop charts as an A CAPPELLA SONG!! That blows my mind. Unconcerned with rhyming lyrics, its all about meter and imagery with this song.

Milo – Going No Place (feat. Elucid)
Milo is an intellectual rapper to rival all others… follow up this song by checking out some others of his. Along with some serious collabs, his lyricism is sharp witted and rich in symbolism as well as contemporary culture reference. Hip Hop at its finest.

Steely Dan – Reelin’ In The Years
Rounding out this playlist, arguably one of the best songs ever written.. Steely Dan was an obsessive band in the studio, and thank god, because we can enjoy this recording forever.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Summer Heart, Washed Out, The Drums, ROOSEVELT, Yellerkin, Night Drive, Carousel

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Chelsea Lankes – Paralyzed

Chelsea Lankes

Chelsea Lankes

In February, Chelsea Lankes shared with us a pretty cool playlist. We didn’t think she could get much cooler, until we were ‘Paralyzed’ by her new single.

It’s a dreamy number with alluring vocals and misty synths.

‘Paralyzed’ is taken from Chelsea’s self-titled EP, available now in a limited edition 10″ Pink Vinyl via B3SCI Recordshere.

Chelsea will also be playing The Satellite with Transviolet on 18th April.

Sounds like: MUNA, Wet, Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko, Remmi, Cappa

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Exclusive: Chelsea Lankes Playlist

Chelsea Lankes

Chelsea Lankes

Los Angeles-based Chelsea Lankes returns with a hooky new number called ‘Bullet’.

We caught up with Chelsea, who kindly put together a ‘Modern Romance’ themed playlist for Indietronica.

Enjoy!

Majid Jordan – Something About You

It’s a coffee in the morning or last call kind of jam.

The 1975 – The Sound

I’m super excited for their new album and have ultimate respect for a band that is willing to take risks and be pop.

School of Seven Bells – Open Your Eyes 

Something unique and beautiful about this song. it’s enchanting to me

Allie X – Never Enough

She’s such a rad artist and this song is super retro and vulnerable which I love.

ZAYN – PILLOWTALK
– because he’s sexy. need i say more?

Lewis Del Mar – Malt Liquor

Feels like Alt-J but I love his voice… it’s a good combo for me.

Gang of Youths – Magnolia

It’s rebellious and charming and exciting in all the right ways.

St. Lucia – Closer Than This

I will forever smile and dance to this.

Erik Hassle – Smaller

He’s an incredible talent and can do no wrong in my eyes.

Best Coast – Feeling OK

It’s effortlessly cool and honest. like, not feeling great… i’m feeling OK. Which is most of us most days.

Listen to ‘Bullet’ below.

Pre-order Chelsea’s limited edition 10″ Pink Vinyl via B3SCI Recordshere.

Sounds like: Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko

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Wet – All The Ways

Wet - Don't You

Wet – Don’t You

Following the success of ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl’ and the most recent ‘It’s All In Vain’, Wet return with the equally as emotionally charged, ‘All The Ways’.

The trio is comprised of the enigmatic Zutrau and multi-instrumentalists Joe Valle and Marty Sulkow, who met through mutual friends as college students in NYC in 2007.

The highly anticipated album ‘Don’t You’ is out on 29 January via Columbia Records. There is also a limited edition signed 12×12 litho and vinyl available here.

Wet Headline UK & EU Tour

Fri 11 March Paradiso Grote Zaal, Amsterdam
Sat 12 March Studio 672, Stadtgarten, Cologne
Mon 14 March Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
Wed 16 March Le Pop-Up du Label, Paris
Fri 18 March Patterns, Brighton
Sat 19 March Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mon 21 March Broadcast, Glasgo
Tue 22 March The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Wed 23 March Scala, London

Sounds like: Lany, Shy Girls, Låpsley, July Child, Brandy, Banks, AURORA, Carousel, Tourist, Broods, Gallant, NONONO, Shura

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Day Wave – Drag

Day Wave

Day Wave

Day Wave released his highly anticipated debut EP entitled ‘Headcase‘ earlier this month, and today he releases his first-ever music video for ‘Drag’.

It is a glistening, sun-kissed track and the music video takes us on an adventure with Day Wave throughout his stomping grounds in the Bay Area.

Day Wave is the one-man recording project of 25-year-old Oakland based Jackson Phillips and one half of synth-pop duo Carousel.

North American Tour Dates – PRESS HERE for tickets
8/4/15 San Francisco, CA @ Phoenix Hotel
8/8/15 San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar – Outside Lands Aftershow
8/19/15 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
9/15/15 Seattle, WA @ Neptune *
9/17/15 Vancouver, Canada @ Imperial *
9/19/15 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
9/21/15 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent *
9/23/15 Los Angeles, CA @ Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock *
9/24/15 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar *
9/26/15 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
* supporting Blonde Redhead

Sounds like: The Drums, Washed Out, Jagwar Ma, Night Drive, Carousel, Caribou, ROOSEVELT, Yellerkin, Blonde Redhead

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Scavenger Hunt – Wildfire

Scavenger Hunt - Wildfire

Scavenger Hunt – Wildfire

The new single from LA’s electro-pop duo Scavenger Hunt is out!

It’s a 90’s inspired pop gem. Perfect to keep the weekend vibe going.

This track is the first off their new EP of the same name, which is out on 23 June.

Sounds like: Priest, Goldroom, Grimes, Ladyhawke, HAERTS, I BREAK HORSES, Carousel, Washed Out

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