British teen and born creative, Griff teams up with Honne on the sincere ‘1,000,000 X Better’. Once again tackling an array of important issues for generations, we say make some room Dua Lipa.
Ed Prosek‘s new single ‘Now and Then’ marks the first chapter in a compelling new story for the talented solo artist. Picking up the folks riffs from his roots, he looks ahead with a fondness towards growing old.
Rising Norwegian alt-pop production duo Jimmy Smash let us loose on their tranquil and groove-rich piece of electronic pop, ‘Under’. For fans anywhere between Jungle and Roosevelt.
Berlin-based Wolf & Moon shares ‘Eyes Closed’. In doing this invigorates some sort of superpower, according to the duo, an ability to awaken the senses that were once sleeping. Try it for yourself.
Sounds Like: James Vincent McMorrow, Lea Porcelain, Xul Zolar, The xx, Bryde
‘Take Your Time’ and smell the flowers. That’s the message in Beau Turrentine‘s latest song, with its woozy and enticing demeanour that channels sweet and blissful dream-pop tones. It’s out now via Terrible Records.
Chillhum shares ‘Waste My Time’ featuring a vocal duet with Devyn Sawyer. It’s another slice of intricate and experimental bedroom pop with acoustic-electric R&B from the budding singer-songwriter/guitarist/producer.
James Blake releases the atmospheric ‘Are You Even Real?’, in partnership with Apple’s Behind The Mac campaign. Another contender to the evergrowing back catalogue of comforting masterpieces from the British producer and multi-instrumentalist.
We all know a Daniel, or perhaps we even are one – the one that gets “lost in the sauce, stoned, lost in some existential fear or lost his way in some VR game”, yet has so much to prove. Declan McKenna gives us a delicious taste of his forthcoming album, ‘Zeros’.
Sounds like: HUNNY, Sea Girls, Peach Pit, The Night Café, Chaz Cardigan, The Beatles, Circa Waves, The Magic Gang, Vistas, Love Fame Tragedy
Refreshing alt-pop artist Connie Constance bares all and dives into “an ocean of narcotics” in new single ‘James’, summing up how we all want to feel and act right now – to get a bit squiffy and then crawl back to bed.
Sounding particularly Glass Animals, and more instrumentally upbeat than previous releases, duo Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher – aka Aquilo – return after a two-year hiatus with the ‘Sober’ EP, featuring ‘Moving On’.
Singer and producer MAX RAD takes a positive stance with new single ‘It’ll All Be Fine’. Comparing the track to an out-of-body experience, he advises to look at the bigger picture, and stop internalising. Wise words.
Sounds like: Tash Sultana, Foals, Chet Faker, Honne, Ben Khan
narou pens a love letter to the people around him. His new single ‘Deep End’ is the first paragraph.
Taking inspiration from his namesake (which means “becoming” in Japanese), the Vienna born, Berlin-based songwriter and producer is on a constant journey of discovery, as the visuals for the song reflect. He further explains,
“I wrote this song about my somewhat impulsive behaviour after fights in a loving relationship. I challenged myself to start with the hook in order to hit the listener with that dramatic message and feeling right away. Saying that I don’t ever wanna hear back from that person is a feeling that doesn’t reflect my actual needs when the storm has cleared, but more so a display of pure anger I felt in that very moment. The second verse really brings clarity because I realized that this feeling will pass and all I want to do is forget about it and move on. We often find ourselves in situations like this. For me personally it has been an immense learning curve and I am slowly learning to control my emotions and my anger from a place of peace and love.”
Sounds like: Chet Faker, Honne, Klyne, Bearcubs, James Hersey, Kllo
Ed Prosek takes an unexpected turn and shows us his creative vision in his video for new single, ‘Make It Easy’. As talented as Ed Prosek may be, the star of this particular feature is no doubt Nino – a small white dog which you can’t help but stare at. We cannot 100% confirm the breed, sorry! The video features Nino singing the song in its entirety, allowing a sense of fun into a deeply personal lyric.
The record itself occupies a unique space between soulful singer-songwriter and pop artist, Jack Garrett. An obvious appeal to this record is the outstanding vocal talent Ed possesses, summoning us with a soulful and powerful tonal edge. This is of course occupied by the undeniable writing talents of the British native.
Expect his EP ‘Flesh & Blood Part Two’ to be released in the summer.
Sounds like: Jack Garratt, Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo
Joshua Worden recently hit a deeply introspective period and his new selection of releases shows this.
With an educational background in Jazz Guitar and English Literature, his music is stripped back and takes a slower pace these days, dabbling in R&B, pop, trip-hop, and chillwave. Listen to ‘Easy To Say’ featuring Casey Harper.
The Mexican dream-pop scene is bubbling away like a reactive volcano.
Junípero is the project of Joán Melendrez and Janelle Saucedo, who enjoy experimenting with transcendent thunderous and melodic sounds. Listen to their debut single ‘New Beginnings’ below.
Far West is, as you’ve guessed it, from the West Coast of the US, in California.
They have a unique take on bellowing indie/synthpop, reminiscent of the early ’00s. The new single ‘Can’t Let Go’ has big synth leads with a poppy vibe, and is written about trying to let go of something that isn’t good for you.
Australian electronic duo Night Tales – aka amaliza (Australian-born Kamaliza Salamba, formerly of Olympic Ayres) and Third Floor (UK-born/Aussie-based Aaron Bannie) drop their 3rd single of 2020 titled ‘Feel Nothing.’
It’s a positively-led dance number with a tender touch, written about a relationship that is emotionally spent.
Montreal based artist Makk Mikkael (MacKenzie Michael) has been writing music from a young age. Since then, she has explored different cities in her home country of Canada, to finally settle in Montréal.
The heartbeat of her new single is a minimalistic down-tempo electro track with ethereal vocals and driving rhythm, which soon goes off-kilter as the ‘fear’ takes over.
First Bronze Whale are walking, next they are stopping.
Stripped right back, the minimal electronic track features fellow label mate and longtime friend, Poles. It’s about being dragged back into a relationship even when you know it’s toxic. Needing to see it through regardless of what it takes from you.
Rising Japanese star Nao Yoshioka is showcasing her modern R&B and soul.
Born in Japan, now living in the US, Nao has been perfecting her craft and working alongside legendary musicians in the scene to create an authentic & powerful new album ‘Undeniable’, out now. Listen to her slow and sensual single, ‘Up And Away’ featuring PHER.
Songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Hoddle – aka Mona Vale – has created an altogether chilled track called ‘All This Time’.
Starting in the pop realms and soon developing into an indie form of ambient electronica, the song is about the early stages of a relationship, setting nostalgic emotions on fire.
Swiss artist Melyz shares her provactive new single ‘Bad Together’.
with a hint of R&B club vibes, the song takes a darker approach than previous releases, as it considers how toxic and destructive a relationship can become when it gets too passionate.
Introducing the new project by Pietro Filippone – aka uomo.
His latest release, ‘All I Hear’, is the first song that Filippone has written by himself for the project. A decent bit of autotune in there, the softer house elements give the song a gorgeously gentle uplift.
Sounds like: Henry Green, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Hayden James, Elderbrook
Bristol-based quartet Tungz combines effortless funk riffs with infectious vocal melodies and indie-pop sounds in new single, ‘Can’t We Just Be Friends Again’, out now via Heist or Hit.
It speaks of the confusion and the weird frustration that comes with wanting to snap back to being happy with someone you’ve only ever really been cool with before.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, Christine & The Queens, Patawawa, Bamily
DJ and producer Amtrac has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning British musician, DJ and producer Alex Metric on vocals in new single, ‘So Afraid’.
Looping vocals contemplate a simple question, “why you so afraid of love?” as Alex Metric’s breathy, enunciated voice lends an edge to the droning synths beneath, forming a steady crescendo of sound and passion that blooms.
UK duo Dirty Nice releases ‘100,000 Heartbeats’. A synth-wave pop at the core, it’s the perfect counterpart to the more lo-fi B-side, ‘Love Team’.
Originally presented as a special Valentines Day release, Dirty Nice sent a number of personalised cards to fans. Continuing this theme on their Instagram, an intergalactic cartoon epic has unfolded with a new card revealed every day.
Sounds like: Elder Island, Camel Power Club, Gorillaz, Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical
Norwegian native, singer/songwriter and producer Rebekka Danielsson – aka EKKO – shares the visuals for ‘Off My Mind’.
Highly energetic, glorious pop with addictive melodic hooks and immaculate production this tune ticks all the boxes to be a serious club anthem and floor filler.
Expect her debut EP ‘Symptoms’ out later in the year.
Sounds like: Tove Lo, Chelsea Lankes, Allie X, ALMA, Kim Petras
Rising Danish pop songstress ELBA is making waves.
Starting her musical journey in the local choir at the age of six, it was clear her destiny was singing. Her new single ‘Remember Me’ showcases her powerful vocal range, and perfectly fits with the electro-pop production.
The Norweigan artists are smashing it this week, and it’s truly great to see Emilie Nicolas return.
Showing a new side to her music – less “cool pop” and more reflective – ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’ is centred around the difficulties of letting go of a relationship, succinctly capturing despair, unbridled joy, and the desire to dance.
Stockholm siblings Alva & August Heldt are The Endorphins.
As their name suggests, their feel-good future pop is set to induce endorphins. As they put it – “It’s about love, friendship, parties and sex“, and what’s wrong with that!
Listen to self-expressive ‘Dead Or Alive’ below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet
London based electronic duo Solomon Grey returns with the breathtaking new single called ‘Interstate 695’, showcasing the first in a selection of new works culminating in the forthcoming EP ‘Music For Picture: Vol. I (Parallels)’ released on 27 March.
Soundtrack ready, the new single is dynamic, an ethereal track with bold analogue synths, pulsing drums, wide strings and other orchestral score elements. Inspiration for the song came from Solomon Grey’s soundtrack work, in their words “we played with the idea of watching films of our childhood. Inspired by our youth and looking at it from where we are now. What did that innocence mean to us now, and how would we score it.”
Sounds like: Aquilo, Heaven 17, Depeche Mode, Ásgeir, Chet Faker, James Vincent McMorrow, Hozier, Lane 8, The National, Son Lux, M83, James Blake, Bon Iver
Introducing singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist MAX RAD.
Born in the peaceful countryside of Stroud in Gloucestershire, the now-London based artist reflects on the tranquillity and silence of his birth place to create an emotionally deeper type of music. Since moving to London, an increase in anxiety has led to his music taking a slightly different turn.
His new single ‘Old Toy’ takes on a deeply personal message about holding on to something you love during a painful time.
Speaking on the track, Max says, “Old Toy is about missing someone, the passing of time making it worse. It is about nostalgia. Being stuck in a sadness from missing the person and the issues it causes.”
Born in California, but spending equal time in both Brighton and Berlin, Prosek has an innate ability to create explorative songs with honest vocals and intimate lyrics, which is no surprise since he has been mentored by the legendary producer Rupert Hine (Stevie Nicks, Rush).
His new single ‘I Was Wrong’ takes a slightly different direction to his former releases, and sees Prosek delving into his musical origins, all with a sweet glimmer of sounds reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit, which will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eyes.
Expect a six track EP in Spring 2019.
Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
