Norwegian grammy-winning artist, Marie Ulven – aka girl in red – shares the video from her album favourite, ‘hornylovesickmess’.
A directorial debut from Euphoria star, Hunter Schafer, the video sees Ulven laying in a bus bed, savaged by self-reflective flashbacks depicted through tangles of red tape amongst a construction site.
Rising pop artist Magsy releases ‘Truth Is’, out now.
Firmly routing himself nicely amongst the pop heartthrobs of 2022, it follows on from the phenomenal ‘Noisy Mind’ and once again showcases Magsy’s passionate vocals over a plush instrumental of relaxing synths and groovy beats. A recipe for pop perfection.
Introducing Meagan De Lima, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who crafts heart-centred R&B that spans from her family’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
Forming a natural affinity for music at a young age, her new single ‘Queen’ is dedicated to her mother.
Lake District-based, Scottish-born, her musical world is an ethereal-pop landscape bathed in folklore and soaring cinematic melodies. You can listen to her spell binding new single ‘When The Gods Dance’ below.
Self-confessed emo kid Máni Orrason shares his latest ruminatory offering that captures his vulnerabilities through a frivolous lens in which he recounts the fascination of molding a new identity and the idea of erasing yourself to create something better: an untouchable Romeo wrapped in leather or a ghostly fabrication of effervescent cool.
We asked Máni to put together a playlist, which you can listen to below:
Francis and The Lights – You Still Take Me To The Light
A couple days ago I read this NYT interview with him from 2020. It’s a really moving article that gave me a new window into his music. I’ve been listening a lot to him the last few days. I love this song with Kanye, Bon Iver, Chance The Rapper and him.
Nicholas Britell – Agape
I always say that it’s really difficult to be anxious floating in the ocean. That’s kind of how I feel about listening this song. It forces me to breathe. It’s like dawn in spring. I listen to this all the time
Björk – I Remember You
I don’t need to fall in love as long as this song exists. Björk transcended the physical realm with this one. I get goosebumps every time. I feel one step closer to god when Björk belts like that.
Madlib – Slim’s Return
This song is on the “Shades Of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note” album. I found it randomly a couple weeks ago. Madlib was given access to the whole Blue Note discography and he made this album. It’s really brilliant. I just want to play chess and drink cognac by a fireplace when I hear it.
Yeat – Sorry Bout That
My 16 year old brother has been trying to get me into Yeat for a while. I kind of just got into him but it’s so good. Stylistically so on point. Insane heat.
Black Country, New Road – Good Will Hunting
An amazing song from an amazing album. This song feels like if Funeral and Arcade Fire made an album in 2022. Also feels like Cap’ n Jazz and those emo bands a bit.
Moondog – Pastoral II
I think most of the music I’ve been listening to has just been to get me through the winter. This song is so soothing. Harp music. Listen to this and tell me you don’t feel a bit better.
Clairo – Bambi
I think first of all this album sounds so incredible. These songs, the arrangements, the production is just so inspiring to me. I really love it.
Samaris – Góða Tungl
Samaris is an amazing Icelandic band. I bought the EP this song is on when it came out almost 10 years ago. I was recently going through my records at my parents house a few days ago and put this on. It’s so interesting listening to something you haven’t heard for 10 years and how differently you respond to it. It such a good song.
A$AP NAST, D33J – Designer Boi
I listen to this song on loop all the time. It’s perfect.
Overmono – Bby
I was in a trance with this song for a few days. I didn’t listen to anything else.
FKA twigs – meta angel
This new FKA twigs album fills the void of PC music Charli XCX. It feels like Pop 2 in some ways. This song is great.
George Jones – I’ve Aged Twenty Years In Five
I recently finished listening to season 2 of Cocaine and Rhinestones. It’s a podcast about country music and the new season focuses on George Jones. I really recommend it wether you like country or not. When you hear George Jones sing “I’ve seen the dark side of life”, he means it. It’s really heartbreaking music.
The Smile – The Smoke
I love that the most subversive thing Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke could do right now is start a rock band. I also love this song cause it fills the void of the Sault album not being on streaming platforms anymore.
Död Mark – Paranoid schizofren
I love Yung Lean. His project as jonatan leandoer96 is really inspiring to me. I really like this album too from his punk band.
Elliot Smith – Ballad Of Big Nothing
I was always scared of Elliot Smith, when I was young I heard how he died and it made me really scared of his music. Like there was a darkness to it I couldn’t handle. But I don’t think there’s an album I’ve listened to more the last year than Either/Or.
The Weeknd feat. Tyler, The Creator – Here We Go… Again
I get really emotional every time I hear the weekend sing “my new girl, she a movie star”. Don’t know why. Love this song.
Sounds like: Jesse, SUM41, The 1975, Neon Indian, Toro y Moi
Seattle’s Slow Shudder releases her lockdown single, the self-produced, mixed and mastered, ‘Time Now for Ghosts’.
The track is inspired by unusually vivid dreams that sparked introspection about past relationships that never felt fully resolved. To celebrate the creative process of making the single, Slow Shudder has put together a playlist for us.
Ninajirachi – Alight
I’m a huge Ninajirachi fan. “Alight” is one of my favorite songs from 2020. The lyrics get me every time, as does the melody that effortlessly goes from introspective to soaring. The production is absolute fire. Just perfection.
Dizzy Fae – I’m Good
Dizzy Fae is such a star. Her artistry is next level. The production on “I’m Good” is so fresh. Highly recommend her entire discography, super inspiring all around.
The Motion – 3AM
I met Max when we were both at uni at Goldsmiths and I LOVE his music so much. “3AM” is my jam. The crunchy drums, the minimal slowed bridge when the melody skyrockets! Stunner of a song.
Zack Villere – Hair Cut
I’ve been listening to zack villere since his project, froyo ma, and he’s one of my all-time faves. His production is consistently super original and his writing is so versatile.
Claud – WISH U WERE…
OK so I love the original of this one but I CANNOT HANDLE how good this remix is. I think I’ve listened to it every day since it came out. All of Claud’s songs are phenomenal. If you don’t know their work already, go listen to all their songs and treat your ears.
Knapsack- valid thru the year
Knapsack is such an incredible artist. I’m obsessed with their new album, “the buzz of a lifetime”. The overall narrative arc stirs up tons of memories for me, their lyrics are perfection, and their production is unlike anything else.
Matilda Eyre, PALMR – Water
I met Matilda Eyre at a music production workshop in London a few years back and we’ve been friends ever since. She’s an exceptionally skilled vocalist, songwriter, performer and producer. “Water” is such a tune – amazing melodies, ultra cool production, and so interesting structurally. Love!
Jay Wile – Can’t Wait
I first heard Jay Wile’s work earlier this year and I was instantly hooked. Love his songwriting, his production, and his voice. “Can’t Wait” is such a dream, as are all his other songs.
Liyv – Toro
Liyv and I met in early 2018 and we’ve been close friends ever since. I’ve been a fan of hers since before we met and am repeatedly amazed by her talent, originality, and commitment to exploring new territory in her music. “Toro” is just one of many gorgeous songs within her exceptional body of work. I’m inspired by her every day and can’t wait for her to release the music she’s been making recently.
Holliday Howe – Rather Forget
Holliday Howe is another friend of mine from Goldsmiths and I’m such a massive fan of her songs. I could write a 10 page paper about how much I love this song. It breaks my heart every time I listen to it. The music video makes me cry every time.
Slow Shudder – Time Now for Ghosts
This song means a ton to me and I’m so happy that it’s out in the world! I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed writing and producing it.
Isle Of Wight band Coach Party shares their latest track, a cover of Clairo‘s ‘Bags’. A huge fan of Clairo’s album ‘Immunity’ and a result of their combined restless lockdown creativity, the visuals were made remotely and can be watched below.
The band’s debut 6-track ‘Party Food’ EP was produced by their own Guy Page and is out now on Chess Club Records. You can listen below.
Sounds like: Wolf Alice, Lauran Hibbard, Honey Lung, Dream Wife, Talk Show, The Big Moon, Black Honey, The Amazons, The Strokes
School of X (aka Rasmus Littauer) shares the visuals for new single, ‘Forgot Me on the Moon’.
What starts off as a sombre beginning, soon turns into an uplifting slice of pop.
Ten years ago, a much younger Littauer first wrote the chorus to an unfinished song out of anger, unable to take the initiative of moving on from a fading love. However, the song now shows a newfound sense of resolve in the face of heartbreak and confusion.
His debut album ‘Armlock’ is out next week.
Sounds like: Augustine, MØ, Máni Orrason, Soleima, Goss, Mura Masa, Clairo, Röyksopp, Lo Moon, Mew, Thomas Azier
The vibrant visuals for ‘Window’ from Portland-based Still Woozy is a short and sweet burst of summertime, cocktail-sipping bliss, full of playful melodies, complete with a sample nod to Marvin Gaye.
Want more? We’re also massively digging his Tame Impala isolation cover below.
Sounds like: Easy Life, Yakul, Clairo, Max Pope, Von Sell, Low Hum
British pop singer Beth Duck shares her cyber-inspired electro-pop single, ‘Nomophobia’, inspired by a realisation of our generation’s phone obsession.
With a clear European influence – the track is produced and co-written by One by One, a songwriter and producer duo from Berlin.
“Love isn’t perfect, and neither is life, and that’s the real fairy tale” says Los Angeles-based songwriter Banah Winn, aka Opus Vitae. Ain’t that the truth.
His new single ‘Carry The Weight’ is driven by the fired up angst about the current political climate of the world.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Sufjan Stevens, Porches
Inspired by missing home, Australian-born, pizza-loving, Los Angeles-based Future Jr. shares ‘Back To You’.
Conjuring all the nu-disco, dream-pop vibes one could ever wish for, the song was written by Future Jr. and a friend after attending a cliche house party in the Hollywood Hills.
Following the extremely well-received release with Lord Silva, School of X releases ‘Bad Love’.
Inspired by Eks-skolen – an anti-establishment art collective that was based in Copenhagen in the 1960s – the emo-tinged song by School of X’s Rasmus Littauer (MØ, Liss, Clairo) is about the loss of trust or faith.
Born from a remote connection via Instagram and a mutual love of big cats, London-based Welsh/Finnish electro-pop duo Rochelle and Vee are Tigerpunsh.
Brand new onto the scene, their single ‘Shade’ holds a bursting energy throughout, with delicate Eastern synths and experimental pop elements. A great start to what could be a very exciting future for the girls!
Sounds like: Broods, EXES, MS MR, Vera Blue, RAINDEAR, Nova Club, Georgia
Alt-pop whizzkid Alex O’aiza shares the Instagram video for ‘Out Of My Mind’, produced by Austin Bello from Dallas pop-punks Forever The Sickest Kids.
Combining snappy pop melodies with gritty rock riffs and layered samples, the visuals show a fun side to O’aiza, whilst still conveying a timely message of pushing through adversity and hard times.
Having entered the music scene from the early age of 17, this rising star has already received national recognition within the UK.
In his signature soul-infused, pop sound, HUDSUN’s latest offering ‘Shutdown’ speaks of the frustration in attempting to break someone out of an emotional prison they have created for themselves wrapped up.
Fresh rising artist Zachary Knowles quenches our thirst for love with ‘Cherry Wine’, a song written about the girl he loved before she even realised (and don’t worry, it all worked out fine – they are very happy together as far as we know!)
Signed to the prestigious FADER Label (home to Clairo, Matt & Kim), The Texas-bred songwriter/instrumentalist crafts addictive R&B with silky flair.
Sounds like: The Weeknd, Alec Benjamin, Kayden, ASTN
London-based, alt-RnB artist, Latir, loves to fuse the sounds of hip hop, old school jazz, indie and electronica. Glistens of his old soul expresses itself through his younger-leaning music.
Created with Leeds-based producer Luvian, ‘Wallflower’ shows a truly romantic side.
Sounds like: Miller Blue, Ayelle, Joe Hertz, Tom Misch, Miguel
Using an old voice recording of Hyde’s, the electro-pop number is about distracting yourself from the mess of life, until finally letting someone in to see the mess and accepting their offer to help.
Originally planned to be released in this month, UK duo TENDER has made the decision to still share ‘Living’, inspite of the fact it serves a well recognised backdrop to these “unprecedented times”.
Speaking about the track, they explain,
“It’s about inspired by isolation, before we were isolating. It’s a song about locking yourself away with sadness. Hiding your emotions, in fear of showing how you feel to the world. The segregation only pushing you further into despair.”
Sounds like: MOTHXR, Jungle, Glass Animals, HUNTAR, Caribou, Air, The National, Tame Impala, Boxed In, Honne
Half American, half German songwriter-producer turned YouTuber Chris James shares his new single ‘Melancholy’.
Growing up in California, but moving to Germany at a young age, James is on a journey to showcase positivity and fun through his upbeat lyrics and melodies.
Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Calum Scott, Liam Payne
It may only be April, but the summer-tinged tracks are making their way out of the studios. Or maybe we’ve got this completely upside down, as Australian artists are coming out of summer and moving into their winter.
Anyway, cue Briskey and his new single ‘Don’t Want To Talk About It’. An emotionally-driven song that tinkes with alt-pop, dance, electronica, and even includes a cheeky sax solo.
Young Australian-based artist Lola Scott transports us to Scandi-pop territory with her new song ‘Take Me Back’.
Written from the perspective of being at the end of a long term relationship, it’s easy to reminisce at how easy it was to dive right into love with no fears.
This frankness in her songwriting is thanks to Scott’s hard work over the last 12 months, as well as learning piano and guitar at an early age, courtesy to her dad’s record collection of new-wave, post-punk synth-pop and alternative rock.
Sounds like: Lykke Li, Billie Eilish, Susanne Sundfør, HAIM, Clairo, Niki & The Dove, Oh Land, The Knife, Broods
German artist Jinka shares her explosive new single ‘U Bit My <3'.
Channelling emo and urban vibes with a playful way with wonky arpeggios of synthesized steel drums and piano samples that intertwine with a trap-leaning beat.
DAD (aka bedroom pop singer/songwriter Kei Wells) shares her new single ‘Fresher’.
DAD has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Austrian producer, artist and pianist Yakob. Our favourite of hers to date, this declaration of independence is the ultimate single girl’s anthem, with electrified pop sequences infused with synth-pop juice.
Wrabel and Gallant will feature on her forthcoming EP.
We’re super excited about the sounds of Norwegian artist Jon Olav.
His new single ‘I Am The Thing’ opens with sparse piano chords (we instantly think James Blake), and bubbles into itself with deliciously sinister pop hooks and crystalline vocals as Olav looks inward to contemplate the pluses and minuses of attention.
Approachable Members Of Your Local Community – Small Change
With the best name we’ve seen for a long while, Approachable Members Of Your Local Community (let’s call them AMOYLC for short) releases the catchy ‘Small Change’.
The quartet – who met at school – fuse elements of indie, electro, funk and disco into their unapologetically spirited sound. But their new single ‘Small Change’ has a serious message. Dedicated to the firefighters and communities affected by the Australian fires, “it’s clear that small change can have a big impact.”
Self-made art creator and songwriter Molina shares her bold single, ‘Vanilla Shell’, the title track taken from her new EP.
The sparse and inventive song weaves textured vocals with a fluttering flute and fretless bass into a psychedlic trip about love and youth, with captivating nods to the eras of 1960, 70 and 80.
Gold Member is a three-piece of producers and singer/songwriters.
Crossing genres between funk, soul and pop, their new single ‘Stay On’ is an easy, breezy piece of charge-soaked, soulful pop with a topical headline about Indigenous identity in white Australia, and the struggles of living in a system of cultural oppression.
What an anthem – ‘Not Ok!’ by Nashville based pop lothario Chaz Cardigan, released on Capitol Records/Loud Robot.
The track is an infectious tune about human imperfection, which sees Cardigan laid bare, both lyrically and visually. The Al Kalyk-directed video also features an astonishing number of gummy bears…
A daydream about endless summer days, it’s the perfect antidote for a wet and cold January. The song was crafted early one morning using a drum loop and an oberheim synthesizer and is a call to a honeycoated time of romance and yearning.
