Our favourite producer Roosevelt (aka Marius Lauber) returns with the first new single since his sophomore album ‘Young Romance’ in 2018, and we are OBSESSED.
The new single ‘Sign’ focuses on all things digital, as luscious drum and vocal loops lead us into his spine-tingling world of early house and vintage synth-pop. Sparse and dazzling at the same time, ‘Sign’ is a prime example of Roosevelt’s deft craftsmanship.
Speaking about the emotive new track, he explains,
“I wanted to make something intimate, so I started with these spherical Juno 60 chords. When I added rhythmical elements, I realised that the track could work in a dance music world – I normally record a lot of real drums but stripped this one back to just an 808 beat. A nice contrast between the intimate feeling of the synth and the dancefloor qualities of the vocal sample, bass line and 808 started to emerge. I found it really inspiring to make something that’s initially made for listening alone on your headphones, but that hopefully can come alive in the near future when played out at a dance club or festival and create a form of unity again.”
Sounds like: Cut Copy, Goldroom, Day Wave, The Whitest Boy Alive, Caribou, Tourist, Jagwar Ma, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Classixx
Cactus? is an innovative three-piece band from the industrial plains of Northern Italy.
Combining influences from the dance-punk phenomenon of mid-00s with the current Lo-fi Bedroom movement, adding to the mix 80s synths and samples – their new single ‘Shitdisco’, out now via Costello’s Records, is full of frenetic and unpredictable energy of crazy synths and poppy vocals.
Sounds like: Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Bloc Party
Indie-pop savant Stevie wolf is paving the way with his refreshing approach to unconstrained honesty.
Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and major anxiety disorder, as well as meeting a lot of set backs when it comes to making music, hasn’t stopped him exploring the constaints of both personal and societal expectations.
On’Yu is the creation of Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer, Rob Eggleston.
His new single ‘Done Without’ is a sweet slowburner with crisp 80’s influenced electric piano mixed with a soulful-synth bass and blushes of neo-emo in there.
Sounds like: Patternist, LOYALS, 90’s Kids, La Bouquet, MILKK
Alexander 23 is calling it as it is, in the new song, ‘Loving You Gets Hard’.
Further showcasing his lyrical genius, the multi-million streaming Chicago-born singer/songwriter wishes to maintain normalcy as possible, and share his views on a compassionate relationship.
The single is full of breezy vocals with a full-fledged pop essence, written about navigating the complications of losing someone, something close to Linney’s heart.
The Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) boys are back with the sweeping ‘Immaculate’, lifted off their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ out on 1 May.
Whilst appearing genteel, this is anything but. A juxtaposition that addresses the bleakness of societal affairs and corrosion of daily life amidst the capricious decisions made by those in power.
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure, Beauty Sleep
Yorkshire isn’t particularly known for his pop heritage. That is until now. Meet singer/songwriter Franky.
Her influences range from funk, disco and R&B, and her new single ‘Follow My Lead’ will urge you to do just that, with its fizzy attitude and feisty pop sensibilities.
Estereomance is a trio from El Paso/Juarez comprised of Manu, Paulina and Adria.
The three artists may come from different experiences and backgrounds but they share one common goal – artistic fearlessness that invokes sensitivities of emotional fibres reachable through consciousness.
In a gentle nod to 70’s French dream pop, the single ‘Crimson Queen’ explores the themes of vanity, obsession, insecurity, gender and beauty through surreal and metaphoric music.
Kent-born, London-based indie-pop newcomer CHERITON (aka Nick Harrison) shares his catchy new single ‘Parallel’, out now So Good So Good.
The infectious single, full of guitar-pop and vibrant melodies, is produced by Andy Hall (Bastille, Fickle Friends, JamesGillespie) and reflects on social media and the damaging effects it can have on mental health.
Overcoats is made up of critically acclaimed Brooklyn duo, Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell.
Channeling punk emergy with vulnerable vitality, their champion new single ‘Fire & Fury’ is equal parts dark and brooding as well as hopeful and anthemic – a dichotomy which is mirrored in the its soaring chorus “there’s a fire, there’s a fury, the sky is falling, but we’ll get through it.”
Watch the her Productions-directed video below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, HAIM, First Aid Kit, Cold War Kids, The Violent Femmes
We are super excited about Reva Devito‘s fresh hustle on soul and R&B.
The Portland native has already featured on some of the most recognizable tracks of KAYTRANADA, Young Franco, Chuck Inglish, and B.Bravo, as well and as the live vocalist for Australian indie-pop rising musicians Miami Horror.
Produced by longtime collaborator B.Bravo, ‘Bet You Stay’ is a nostalgic, slower jam. Smother this over your ears right now.
LeyeT (pronounced “light”) channels emotional vulnerability into alternative-pop songs with a solid heartbeat.
She’s teamed up her friend Labit on new single, ‘Here For You’ – a song about friendship, being there for each other through the highs and lows of life, and sticking together through it all. The song was written with the Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay initiative in mind, a community that encourages you to have meaningful discussions with people you care about – answering truthfully the question of ‘how are you?’.
The Sydney duo dekleyn shares new single ‘See Right Through Me’.
Writing infectious heartbreakers, their songs have meaningful influences throughout. Speaking about the new one – a lesson about love and forgiveness – they explain,
“The song is about giving so much to a person and becoming so close with them that they know everything about you, even more than you know about yourself. As the relationship begins to break down, it begins to become obvious that the two could never be without each other, “I don’t plan on leaving this feeling at all, this is all I have.”
Phew! This is what we’ve been waiting for. A big “Fuck You!” to anxiety anthem!
Cue Norweigan artist/producer Ruben Dawnson and his emotionally expressive tuneage, namely ‘FYALMA’. Speaking about the track some more, he explains,
“It’s a big fuck you anthem to anxiety! Like many others I’ve been struggling with it for a long time… hopefully this can lift people’s spirit and I hope people will connect with it and scream out the lyrics!! I really want it to reach as many as possible and help create a big “fuck you” wave towards anxiety!!”
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Summer Heart
Connecting at a music school in the Netherlands, the now duo Small Talk is making music to the standard of industry veterans, as it’s clear the understand what it takes to put together a hit, and have achieved that with ‘Alarm’.
Running the length between upbeat indie-pop and melancholic EDM, the pair masterfully play with different shades and moods. Expect much more from the youthful duo in 2020.
Sounds like: The Him, Bastille, The Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons
Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) is comprised of Chicago native Kevin Pariso and Melbourne native Joel Witenberg.
The new single ‘Diabolik’ is a vent about the crazy and hindsight-amusing roommate situations that you find yourself in. It’s a fusion of jangly surf-pop and lo-fi post-punk.
Their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ is out on 1 May.
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure
Fiery LGBTQ artist Lauren Sanderson has incredible drive. That’s clear from her music and attitude (not many people can say they’ve given a TED Talk at the age of 18).
Her new single ‘Upset’ flips the issues of the despondent Generation Z on it’s head.
Australian pop artist Phoebe Sinclair is a self-confessed emotional wreck, and this makes for intoxicating music.
Her new single ‘OMG’ is Sinclair taking ownership of her mistakes whilst not letting them define her.
Backed by a four-piece all girl ensemble, oozing confidence and power, and armed with a massive pop vocal, Sinclair smashes out electro pop tunes with an inescapable energy.
British artist Tallsaint releases the highly chic and addictive ‘Model Effect’.
Taking inspiration from early 2000’s tracks as well as a more modern pop culture of now – born from a visual scene in Killing Eve where Villanelle sees Eve in the bathroom for the first time and makes a comment on her hair.
Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Anna of the North, Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li
Self-taught musician Beau Diako shares his new single called ‘Flamingo’, taken from his debut EP, ‘Flutter’.
Featuring neo-soul artist Jordan Rakei, the track is probably his most “pop” song from the EP, which is a glorious fusion of indie, jazz, folk, electronic and soul.
ANDRO may have plenty of experience touring in Jungle‘s band, but now it’s his time to shine.
His debut single, ‘GYMH’ (Give You My Heart) kicks off a new collection of theatrical pop melodies that balance between the ethereal and emotional, perfectly encapsulated by the beautifully shot video below.
Also from Nashville is singer/songwriter/producer John Luke Carter, aka Mokita.
Known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop, Carter was classically trained in piano in his youth and first started performing in his church. Later, he taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production.
His new single ‘Colorbind’ is an attempt to try and describe depression to someone who has never experienced it.
Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND, Nick Anthony, Luna Pines
Named after a harbour road that lead to the sea, unique Welsh songwriter based in London Penniless Cove, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that writes raw, affecting music drawing from a number of different genres.
The music obsessive shares ‘Too Tight’ – a weird and wonderful array of jazz, blues and folk.
Sounds like: Regina Spektor, Björk, Ibeyi, Alev Lenz, Kate Nash
Exciting newcomer EMM creates music from a unique perspective, yet her music is undeniably “EMM” when you listen to it – classically produced, authentic pop.
Landing a hand in every instrument in the track, as well as every word and melody you hear, ’11’ is another powerful ballad that comes from her past struggles of eating disorders, mental health issues, many industry evils.
Delena (fka Boba K) shares her new single ‘Animal’. She creates honest pop music with a gritty edge.
‘Animal’ is a powerful anthem of self-confidence, strength and belief, elevated by her flawless vocal delivery. Speaking of the track, Delena explains,
“I wanted to write a song which could mean something more. The moment I walked into the studio I knew exactly what the song would be about.I didn’t want a love song. I wanted a song with strength, power and authenticity! I wanted anybody who heard it, to find themselves in it!”
We’ve been fans of Summer Heart (aka frontman and producer David Alexander) for a while now.
The fourth release in his #12SongsOfSummer project, in which he would release a brand new track each and every month is called ‘Touch’, a woozy psych-pop number about playing the game of life.
It’s out now via Perfect Texture Records.
Sounds like: Swimm, Hazel English, Washed Out, Day Wave, Teen Daze, Toro y Moi, Animal Collective
Aaron Taos discusses the topic of depression and constant battle between dark and light in his new single ‘Loneliness’.
The video portrays the feeling of isolation Taos felt during a rough patch he found himself in, where he wasn’t able to leave the house. He managed to get through it by appreciating the relationships around him, specifically that of his girlfriend at the time – “She was a shining light through my dark time, reminding me that as important as your goals are, connection and love is the foundation of feeling good and whole.”
Nightseason got its start when drummer-turned-producer Patrick Zeinali scoured through Spotify for a voice to accompany his new project and located Jordan Caiola. Following this digital trend, their new EP ‘Coasts’ was later written exclusively via email and touches on themes of love.
You can listen to their new single, ‘Wear The Treads Off’ which is stripped-back and a beauty of a slow-burner.
Their ‘Coasts’ EP is out now.
Sounds like: Talos, Honne, Yoke Lore, Sir Sly, Alt-J
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Danish dream pop duo Slowes have released their new single, ‘Tell Me Why’, a song about discovering a lying lover.
Much like their previous material, ‘Tell Me Why’ reflects in a melancholic hopeful kind of way, and is led by a strong hook, perfectly amalgamating alternative pop sounds with chillwave.
Sounds like: Fleetwood Mac, Future Islands, Sundara Karma, Tame Impala, Day Wave, Jo Marches, Liss, Mew
Another Los Angeles-pop songstress, TRACE has just shared her new single, ‘You Don’t Know Me’ – a song about first impressions.
TRACE is the daughter of Vietnamese pop icon Carol Kim, and has always been surrounded by music. Despite trying not to follow in her mum’s footsteps, TRACE couldn’t resist penning tracks and recording them in the bathroom.
Listen to one of the results below.
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Laurel, Tove Lo, Broods, GEMS, Lykke Li, Phantogram, So Below, Jessie Ware, LUEM, Cat Power, Lorde, James Blake, Banks
Rock musicians-turned electronic producers Polarbearz share ‘Recognize’. Despite being located in the distant Lapland and writing a song about being different, the duo have managed to create music that sounds so on point.
After watching Roosevelt play Iceland Airwaves some time ago, we’ve been slightly obsessed with the Greco-Roman / City Slang artist (ok, we were obsessed before, but the live show ramped the levels up quite a bit).
His latest retro-styled video (synonymous with Roosevelt’s visuals) has been directed by Elliott Arndt and combines two tracks from Roosevelt’s latest self-titled album. Despite the bursts of colour and dancing, the first section has an underlying sadness running throughout, as Roosevelt contemplates a partner leaving, taking all their colours with them on the way. ‘Moving On’ is the next chapter in the story, but it finishes early, leaving us to question has he really moved on?
Sounds like: Cut Copy, Goldroom, Day Wave, The Whitest Boy Alive, Caribou, Tourist., Jagwar Ma, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Du Tonc, Joe Goddard
