Tag Archives: Drake

Weekly Gems 110

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St. South – Growing Up

St. South

St. South is the moniker for Australian singer-songwriter-producer-multi-instrumentalist Olivia Gavranich.

She is known for creating blissful, nuanced and soulful electro on her own terms. Taken from her debut full-length album ‘Get Well Soon’, the visuals for ‘Growing Up’ refine the simplicity of life, out there in the world.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Tusks, Haux, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Henry Green

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Sea Girls – Do You Really Wanna Know?

Sea Girls - Do You Really Wanna Know?

Quite possibly their most commercial (and arguably most catchy) release to date, ‘Do You Really Wanna Know?’ is a beacon of hope during these anxiety-inducing days.

Expect their emotionally charged, deeply personal, hook-laden debut album ‘Open Up Your Head’ to be released on 14 August via Polydor.

Sounds like: Marsicans, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma

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Ayelle – Fast Life

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Rising R&B artist Ayelle returns with ‘Fast Life’; a lesson in self-care, especially important during these trying times.

Part of the lesson includes yoga, drinking tea. as Ayelle explains, “…making time for yourself to slow down and conquer fomo“. Listen below.

Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, Tove Lo

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Kidsmoke – The Bluest You

Kidsmoke

Welsh Indie-pop quartet Kidsmoke releases the hypnotizing new single ‘The Bluest You’ on Libertino Records.

With a sensational and emotional build, the track picks apart the impact of mental health on loved ones, taking a more sombre tone than previous releases.

Sounds like: Boy Azooga, Penelope Isles, Swimming Tapes

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LU KALA – Want You

LU KALA - Want You

Pop-powerhouse and rebel LU KALA returns with her empowering new single ‘Want You,’ co-written and produced by Terrence Lam (Drake/Rihanna, Alessia Cara, Kaskade, Meghan Trainor).

Paving the way for female strength, she is ready to face herself when it comes to self-sabotage. Are you ready too?

Sounds like: Tones & I, Paloma Faith, Duffy, Macy Gray, Vera Blue, Thelma Plum, Ava Max

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pluko x Panama – higher

pluko

Bedroom producer-turned main stage act, 19-year-old pluko teams up with Australian vocalist Panama for a lush indie electronic single, ‘higher’.

Amassed glistening synth-work, ethereal vocal work, and a steady, rhythmic drum beat, this is is a treat for the ears.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Ásgeir

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CLUBHOUSE – Weekend

Clubhouse

Who cares if it’s not shining right now, because it is sure as hell shining wherever these five go.

The release of ‘Weekend’ – a jazzy summer bop that creatively balances simplicity and swagger – kicks off the summer for rising pop band CLUBHOUSE.

Sounds like: Surfaces, Peach Tree Rascals, Tom Misch, Yakul, Easy Life, Still Woozy

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Weekly Gems 33

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STEELE – Know Her

STEELE

Kicking off our weekly gems on International Women’s Day is dark pop project STEELE with ‘Know Her’.

Comprised of producers Charles Elmi, Dejan Sajinovic and Swedish vocalist/artist STEELE, the heavy and progressive sounds they create slot nicely alongside the likes of Monogem or Banks.

Listen to the sultry ‘Know Her’ below, which is taken from their forthcoming LP on Firegate Music.

Sounds like: Monogem, Banks

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Tiaryn – Falling

Tiaryn

Tiaryn is an exciting Australian artist who is making waves this side of the world.

Her new single ‘Falling’ is the first single off an upcoming EP. It’s laid back and feel-good song that reflects on the evolution of a young relationship; from initial infatuation to the thrilling discovery of true connection.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Jorja Smith, Caswell

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Alexx Mack – Wine In Bed

Alexx Mack

A refreshing break appears to be just what Alexx Mack needed, because she is back with a song of epic proportions, and something that we all can relate to – ‘Wine In Bed’.

Inspired by her own toxic coping mechanisms, Alexx explains,

“Wine in Bed is about me learning that my coping methods were adding to the toxicity in my life and relationships. I would drink and cross my fingers to feel better, and almost every time I’d end up making another mistake. I thought that every sign was pointing to me needing to be alone, the truth was that I was pushing everything good in my life away.”

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes

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SAGE – Not Really

SAGE - Not Really

It’s a battle of the pop songs this week, that was until we heard ‘Not Really’ by SAGE. There really is no competition!

The feminist pop track has been produced by double-diamond producer PJ Bianco (Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, ARIZONA) and written by SAGE alongside famously rumoured actual Britney Spears vocalist, Myah Marie Langston.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Grimes, Billie Eilish, Britney Spears, Linney

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Lucy Neville – Ransom

Lucy Neville

Young choir singer-turned songwriter Lucy Neville has hit us hard with her sweet vocals and striking lyrics on ‘Ransom’, a song about falling in lust and then in love.

Australian-born, you’d be forgiven for thinking Lucy was brought up in Nashville surrounded by country and pop, a true testament to her talent.

Sounds like: Kygo, Griffin

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Y.A.S – VIBRATIONS

Y.A.S

Scottish born “ethereal pop” artist Y.A.S is sending good ‘VIBRATIONS’ with her new single.

A Drake-style loop kicks off the track preparing us for Y.A.S’ rapturous vocals to kick in. A song about an incredibly rare connection so deep with someone that you can communicate without words.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Caswell, JONES, Raye, Jake Alder

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Weekly Gems 30

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High Hazels – Days Of No One

High Hazels

BBC 6 favourite, breezy indie band High Hazels share their new single ‘Days Of No One’.

Fighting an ever-losing battle of love and being lonely, lead singer James admits that despite the conflicting themes in their music, he is a fan of people; “Weirdly that’s why I think loneliness pops up in our music quite a lot, I suppose it’s more the fear of it.”

Sounds like: The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Richard Hawley, The Coral, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine

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Cape Cub – Come Around

Cape Cub

Creating honest, real and emotive music is Cape Cub‘s forte. It seems to be in his blood.

His new single – out today on LAB Records – is called ‘Come Around’ and is a highly thought-provoking song about losing a loved one.

Sounds like: Foals, Passenger, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Tep No, Brandon Flowers, Death Cab for Cutie, Temper Trap,

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Captain Kidd – Bleed

Captain Kidd

There is a bit of a Drake vibe going on in Captain Kidd‘s new single ‘Bleed’ and we are digging it.

A perfect blend of blissed-out, nostalgic indie with modern pop. Listen below.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS, SAMA

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Bishat – Unholy Romance

Bishat - Unholy Romance

Swedish alt-pop artist Bishat shares the intriguing ‘Unholy Romance’.

It has an intense and destructive undertone and was written in collaboration with producer Damian Ardestani (aka XOV) on a freezing day just outside of Stockholm.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Robyn, LKA, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, July Child, Nao, Lorde

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LMBO – Fake It

LMBO

Classically trained multi-instrumentalist school friends and singer LMBO releases debut single ‘Fake It’.

Music to match a soundtrack, the melodies effortlessly tip toe between the light and dark.

Sounds like: Hellogoodbye, Owl City, Hotel Garuda

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Weekly Gems 29

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Hansaa & Soso – Nights Feat Emma Sameth

Hansaa & soso

Australian outfit Hansaa & Soso shares the new video for ‘Nights’ featuring the delicate vocal tones of Los Angeles-based Emma Sameth.

The visuals, directed by Julian Pircher, watch a young man follow his desires for a lady as she is laid out right in front of him.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Kuru Blue, Banks

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Sunan – Faster

Sunan

Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.

Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”

One of these results is ‘Faster’,  which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.

Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Everything Everything, Alt-J, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads

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MATTIS – The Chain

MATTIS

We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.

His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier

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Xie – Habits

Xie - Habits

We’ve all got ‘Habits’ but none are as positive as Los Angeles-based producer and singer Xie.

Taking a fresh perspective on pop music, Xie is paving the way for female producers with her new song!

‘Habits’ is out now via Seeking Blue Records.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Crystal Fighters, The Knocks, Charli XCX, CHLØË BLACK

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Kuzo – Luna

Kuzo

This laid-back duo have big dreams in their heads. Meet Kuzo.

The video for ‘Luna’ explores nature during the day, epitomising a dream-like state, waiting for the moon to come out.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa

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Shadowlark – See Each Other Right

Shadowlark

British trio Shadowlark single ‘See Each Other Right’ blends sounds similar to that of Goldfrapp and Fleetwood Mac.

It’s another hypnotic song to add to their synth-tinged roster, further showcasing front woman Ellen Smith’s mysterious vocals.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li, Goldfrapp, Fleetwood Mac

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More Giraffes – Basement

More Giraffes

Futuristic pop duo More Giraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.

Listen to their debut single, ‘Basement’ below.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Manila Killa

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Josh Jacobson – Sideline Feat. Gigamesh

Josh Jacobson

Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.

On the subject of the song, he explains,

“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”

Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd

Josh Jacobson
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Gigamesh
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Weekly Gems 21

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Katherine Evans – Take It Slow

Katherine Evans

Meet 22 year old Katherine Evans. It says on her SoundCloud page that she likes to sing and sleep. We are not sure about her knack of sleeping, but she sings a damn good song!

With plenty of awards under her belt, she is far from taking it slow, unlike her new single, which is about capturing a fleeting and reckless moment.

It’s out now via Afromartian, an indie record label based in Italy.

Sounds like: Dominique, Billie Eilish

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Jarami – Hear This

Jarami

Dynamic Swedish production duo Jarami share the cool new video for ‘Hear This’.

It features a children’s choir singing and dancing alongside a perfect slice of percussive, psychedelic funk with bass heavy tones.

Sounds like: Day Fly, Amber Mark, Everything is Recorded, Love Ssega, Frank Ocean

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Teflon Sega – NEØN

Teflon Sega

Enigmatic singer Teflon Sega is right on point in the modern music scene having wracked up high numbers of streams on Spotify with his previous releases, and we are sure ‘NEØN’ will do just as well.

The track perfectly highlights Teflon Sega’s magnificent range of sultry lows and stirring highs. Listen below.

It’s out now via Majestic Casual.

Sounds like: The Weeknd

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Louis Futon – Restless Sea Feat. Opia

Louis Futon

Louis Futon is bringing the funk with new single, ‘Restless Sea’, featuring rising duo Opia.

Quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, Louis Futon flies high on the track with his buzzy production methods and soft melodic touches.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, Gallant, ODESZA, Louis The Child

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Vera – Nobody Else

Vera

Standing firmly on his own two feet is the young Copenhagen-based Vera (aka William Asingh).

His latest single, ‘Nobody Else’, was a collaborative effort with Off Bloom, and is influenced by the Caribbean novel ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ by Jean Rhys, which is about a landowner’s Jamaican wife who is locked up in an attic for allegedly being mad.

The ‘Good Job – No Conversation’ EP is released on 8 December through Ultra Records/Ministry of Sound.

Sounds like: Banks, Off Bloom, Soleima, MØ, Liss

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FKL – 1-800

FKL

FKL is an experimental London/Seattle-based duo comprised of Joe Gillick and Sage Redman.

We’ve not heard anything like this in a long time, and can’t quite pinpoint their sound, which we think is a great thing!

So…pick up the phone, dial ‘1-800’ and order some sweet, trippy beats blended with highly seductive vocals.

Sounds like: The xx

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Sacre – Stereo Feat. Dopize

Sacre

Sacre are hitting some serious Drake vibes with their new single ‘Stereo’.

It’s not the usual sound we hear from the French duo, but we kind of like it. The contrast between the classic electro vocals works well with the addition of rising French artist, rapper Dopize.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Chela, Miami Horror, Autograf, The Knocks, Cut Copy

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Year of the Brother – Slow One

Year Of The Brother

Finally, we have the brilliant new indie-pop trio from Portland called Year of the Brother.

We are particularly excited about these guys as they seem to have something special about them. Perhaps it’s the soaring, yet delicate production? Perhaps it’s the on-point falsettos? Or perhaps it’s the enticing lyrics? You decide.

The ‘Filling Empty Pools’ EP is out now.

Sounds like: Kyko, Will Joseph Cook, Owl City

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Playlist: Sean Turk

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Sean Turk

Production seems to be Sean Turk‘s forte, having already released material on Warner, Spinnin’ Records, and Ultra Records and gained support from some key players.

We wanted to get inside the musical mind of the New York-based #BedroomBass enthusiast to find out where he finds the inspiration for his music.

The result is the below playlist, or in Sean’s own words…

Hey what’s going on y’all! Here is a playlist that kind of encompasses the vibes I’m feeling at the moment. A lot of similar stuff that I am usually influenced by. These songs are my go to for traveling/driving around from day to day. Hope you guys enjoy!

Sounds like: Gryffin, Prince Fox, CHIMES

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Playlist: Harper

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Harper

Harper

Eclectic R&B singer, Harper, has put together a wicked playlist for us!

Check it out below.

FKA Twigs – Two Weeks

For me, this track solidified Twigs’ ability to transcend into the mainstream without losing any of her individualism, and therefore made me a serious fan. The production is dark and brooding with a distinctive top-line that evokes all kinds of emotion.

Drake – Now and Forever

I love Drake’s ability to say things as they are without sounding insincere. The female vocal sample loaded with reverb is beautiful and haunting; something I try to emulate with my sound.

Emilie Nicholas – Put Me Down

I was completely floored by this tune! As well as the drop being pretty epic, the opening few lines are breathtaking. (Melodically she hits notes you would really struggle to find naturally when songwriting.)

An inspiring artist.

Kanye West – Blood On The Leaves

Love him, hate him. In my opinion he deserves to be highly credited for his music, especially this tune, sampling the incredibly moving Nina Simone song, ‘Strange Fruit’. Yeezy loves to sample, but he picks ’em well.

Radiohead – Codex

This track takes me on a different journey every time I hear it. The song is simple and not as sonically complex as you would expect from Radiohead, but it doesn’t need to be. Three words: ambient, moving and visual.

M83 Feat Susanne Sundfør – Oblivion (soundtrack)

If you like tunes with an 80’s aesthetic, this is for you. Big drums, big synths and big vocals. It’ll make you want to act out a dramatic scene from a movie in slo-mo, guaranteed.

Björk – All Is Full of Love

For me this is a masterpiece and one of the most beautifully written pieces of music I’ve heard. Dramatic and powerful, as Bjork always is. Electronica meets raw instrumentation = Genius.

Rihanna – Bitch Better Have My Money

This track has led the way for female pop artists like myself to experiment with elements of Trap music. I have a serious ‘girl power’ moment every time I hear it. It’s fierce, dark and empowering, yet still fits under the pop umbrella.

Major Lazer – Get Free

This is my summer anthem forever! An understated tune for Major Lazer, with a profound sentiment. I love a track you can enjoy for the vibe and the story it tells.

SZA – Babylon

SZA killed me with this track! Her tone is like velvet and her lyrics are quite abstract, which I love.

New wave R&B at its finest.

Beyoncé feat. Drake – Mine

This is my favourite tune from her previous record. Drake’s stamp is all over this track, with simple but energy-inducing melodies. This is met with Bey’s characteristically raw lyrical message and flawless vocals. Slaying all day with this tune!

Harper is playing the Alternative Escape on 21 May at 2pm.

Sounds like: Rihanna, Banks, Sizzy Rocket, Charli XCX

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JELF – Run

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JELF

JELF

JELF is a 21 year old multi instrumentalist from London.

Despite his young age, JELF has been producing and songwriting music for over four years, learning from award winning producers, along the way. He also cites a wide range of influences from Kanye West and Drake to Florence + The Machine and Lana Del Rey; all of which fuse to create JELF’s signature “odd pop” sound.

Listen to the cinematic and piano-laden, ‘Run’.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, AlphaCub, Imagine Dragons, Lana Del Rey

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KLOE – Touch

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KLOE by Alena Jascanka

KLOE by Alena Jascanka

Glaswegian KLOE has been making waves in Scotland and beyond.

Her latest track ‘Touch’ has been produced by Lewis Gardiner of Scottish band Prides, and emulates modern youth, providing an honest insight into KLOE and the teenage generation of today. It features KLOE’s signature whispered vocals lined up over bass-laden synths.

KLOE said, “I’m so excited to finally be releasing new music. Touch is the last piece of the puzzle to my little trilogy – which began last December with Grip. The track is about a guy who introduced me to a lot of vice and made me grow up a lot. This song marks the end of an era – and also the beginning of what’s to come.”

Watch her teenage dream inspired video below.

‘Touch’ has been released through Columbia / IAMSOUND / National Anthem.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Evvy, CAPPA, Chelsea Lankes, Kyla La Grange, Indiana, Leena Ojala, St. Vincent, The Weeknd, Drake, Justin Bieber

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Interview with The Hunna

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The Hunna

The Hunna

Hertfordshire four-piece The Hunna is causing quite a stir in the music world.

We caught up with the guys following their recent tour with Coasts, and discussed hip hop and rock influences, as well as what it was like working with Tim Larcombe (Lana Del Rey, Halsey) and Dan Grech (Wolf Alice, Circa Waves).

How did you meet and why did you start making music together?

We’ve all been close friends and brothers for a while now. Daniel Dorney (Bandana Dan) and Ryan Potter (Valentino) met in music college 6 years ago pursuing the goal of making great music. Jack Metcalfe (Insta King) also went to the same college a few years before. Jermaine Angin (The Prince) has known Bandana Dan since primary school and learnt how to play the guitar together since secondary school. There’s always been a connection between us even though we all met at different times in our lives. After our first rehearsal together 2 years ago we all knew that this was something really special and almost like it was meant to be. Our love and appreciation for music is something that we can’t put into words, the feeling that we have when playing together is the reason why we started and why we will continue making music together!

Where did the name The Hunna come from?

We all have a big hip hop / rap influence so it originated from that. We believe in keeping it 1hunna in everything we do.

Describe your sound in three words.

Turn Up Rock.

You worked with Tim Larcombe and Dan Grech on ‘Bonfire’. What was it like working with them?

It was a privilege to work with Tim Larcombe. He understood our vision and got to know us on a personal level really quickly which helped in the work environment and was a big reason why ‘Bonfire’ sounds like it does. We can safely say that Tim is a 1hunna guy and a true professional at what he does. He’s a true Hunna squad member! We admire Dan Grech’s roster and the work that he has produced. He was a pleasure to work with and brought a unique element to the track

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

Kings Of Leon
Foals
Kanye West
Marvin Gaye
Queen
Michael Jackson
Bob Marley
Prince
Drake

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

Rae Sremmurd
Kendrick Lamar
Wiz Khalifa
Yung Simmie
Dr Dre
Led Zeppelin
AC-DC
The Weeknd
Willow and Jaden Smith
Frank Ocean
Chief Keef

Listen to the epic ‘Bonfire’ below:

Sounds like: Coasts, Florence + The Machine

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