Rosa Ama is a collaboration between Berlin-based, British songwriter David Harks and Belgian composer Vicente Milioto da Palma aka Vhyce.
The new release ‘Oku’ offers waves of soft disco-pop with a generous nudge towards those beautiful, euphoric dance floor moments.
It’s out now via Kitsuné.
Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Hot Chip, Du Tonc, Maribou State, Bonobo, Jamie xx
REYNA – The Way I Loved You
Starting off this week’s gems is yet another banger of a song from REYNA, called ‘The Way I Loved You’.
With echoes of Tegan & Sara, the Milwaukee siblings keep making delectable tunes that edge on the cooler side of pop. Click play below.
Sounds like: Haim, Tegan & Sara, Lorde, MUNA, Powers, The Aces
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Lyves – Faded
British R&B singer Lyves (aka Francesca Bergami) shares her beautifully crafted new single, ‘Faded’.
In the track, Lyves invites us to join her on a bittersweet journey of faded love, complete with a disco-soul fusion and sweet bass lines.
Sounds like: Jesse Ware, Rhye, London Grammar, James Blake, SOHN, The Weeknd, Banks, Jamie XX, Shura, Seal
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The Bliss – Shiny Days
The Bliss by Zach Gray
Elecro-pop duo The Bliss (aka pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer/guitarist Felix Snow) shares new track, ‘Shiny Days’.
Described by Felix as the “dining room table anthem,” ‘Shiny Days’ is a true charmer that encapsulates a summertime love.
Their EP, ‘Heaven If You Want It,’ is out now.
Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL
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Máni Orrason – Numb
Máni Orrason by Yannic Pöpperling
We are huge fans of quirky Icelandic electro-pop provacateur Máni Orrason‘s new single ‘Numb’. In fact, we are slightly obsessed with all of the visuals for his last few releases, portraying a broken yet endearing persona of desperation and a need for love.
The visuals for ‘Numb’ flashback to straying and emotional neglect, “I had this desperate need to be seen and to be comforted. I guess i was really lonely at the time”, Máni recalls.
The EP ‘BABY ANGEL’ is out now via Humming Records.
Sounds like: The 1975, Shy Luv
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TriOrca – Ghost
TriOrca by Preston King
It’s time to end this week’s gems on a funky number from cross Atlantic trio, TriOrca.
Comprised of multi-instrumentalists and writers, who between them have an ecclectic array of work connections – including Jessie J, Sam Henshaw, Empire of the Sun – their modern, yet nostalgic music fuses neo-soul, hip hop and 70’s psychedelica.
Sounds like: Lauryn Hill, Myo, Kudu Blue, Yakul
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Noé – Rabbit Hole
Berklee grad Noé shares her blissed-out new single, ‘Rabbit Hole’.
Whilst the song still contains a glimpse of her limitless energy, the main focus is a more raw and free flowing vibe than we are used to. Call it her Frankenstein song.
Noé’s forthcoming debut EP ‘ibynoé’ is set for release on 21 May.
Sounds like: Yelle, Noosa, RALPH, Sigrid, Fiona Apple, VÉRITÉ, Izzy Bizu
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SHY Nodi – Snakes
At just under three minutes long, you’ll be easily forgiven for pressing repeat on SHY Nodi‘s new track, ‘Snakes’.
SHY Nodi, aka Nirob Islam, was born in Stockholm in 1993 after his family emigrated to Sweden from Bangladesh. Since then, he has penned some incredible tracks with his songwriting partner, SHY Martin, and won a number of native music awards.
His new single – out now via BLNK Music – is a frank call out to relationship snakes. You know the ones…
Sounds like: SHY Martin, KIDDO
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The Bliss – Happier
Rising electro-pop duo The Bliss share new single ‘Happier’.
Comprised of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer and guitarist Felix Snow (SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, Icona Pop, Rita Ora, Terror Jr.), their third single is a funky bop number, that effotlessly trailblazes new age synth-pop.
It’s out now via Atlantic Records.
Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL
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Myo – A Particle
Introducing London-based electro-jazz four-piece Myo.
Curated within a minimal electronic soundscape that includes adventurous songwriting, densely layered harmonies and neo-soul guitar riffs, Myo is on a quest to add a human touch in the world of programmed dance music.
Listen to ‘A Particle’ below.
Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue
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Ed Prosek – So Beautiful
Folk singer/songwriter Ed Prosek is a musician that has come to our particular attention and we suggest you take note too.
Using songwriting as a crux, to tap into the things he is too afraid to say to himself, Ed has an array of heartfelt talent that has culminated in millions of streams.
His classically-infused single ‘So Beautiful’ is out now and comes from forthcoming EP ‘Light As A Feather’.
Sounds like: Mumford & Sons, James Vincent McMorrow, Vance Joy, Richard Walters
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Ayelle – Obvious
Mellow music-maker Ayelle shares her self-reflecting new single ‘Obvious’.
The Swedish-Iranian R&B singer-songwriter teamed up with producer Jonah Stevens, to delve furhter into her lyrical clarity and sultry vocals.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, The XX, SOHN
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Jinka – Ghost 2 U
Jinka’s track ‘Ghost 2 U’ is glitchy trip-pop at its finest.
Ghost 2 U” is the Transylvanian artist‘s most emotionally dynamic track to date.
It juxtaposes a heavy, industrial half-time drop reminiscent of acts like Cashmere Cat, Amnesia Scanner or Tommy Cash with touchingly fragile and intimate tale-telling verses.
Jinka’s vocals evolve over a loop of pluck-sounds that unavoidably take your imagination to an underground stalactite cave hidden in the souterrains of Berlin.
Sounds like: Kate Boy, I BREAK HORSES
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daste. – SOBER
Australian trio daste. is comprised of Callum MacDonald, Braxton Tahi & Tyler Harden.
Focusing on the smaller details (with the ‘d’ in daste. standing for detail), their new track, ‘SOBER’ is a summery lo-fi number showcasing simple, yet effective songwriting, and shares the idea that a clear head is always better than a mediocre, intoxicated one.
It’s out now via Mammal Sounds Records.
Sounds like: RÜFÜS DU SOL
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Malihini – Delusional Boy
There is always an air of romanticism with Italian culture and Italian duo Malihini are no exception to this rule.
Their new single ‘Delusional Boy’ has upbeat drums, neatly undercut by its recurring vocal refrain, “Delusional Boy/Delusional Girl” – the downbeat rejoinder conveyed with a typically euphonious duo vocal melody that juxtaposes between a falsetto male part with baratone-esq female vocals, which all in all, creates an extremely easy-to-listen-to pop track.
Expect their debut album ‘Hopefully, Again’, out on 8 March via Memphis Industries.
Sounds like: SAMA, Beach House, Tennis, Chairlift, Au Revoir Simone
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HighSchool Jacob – Cant Get Enough
Highschool Jacob is an indie pop artist who has a serious way with words, so don’t mess.
Based out of Los Angeles, this nu-funk extraordinaire weaves catchy and retro melodies and engrossing stories to make head-nod worthy and heartwarming music.
Listen to ‘Can’t Get Enough’ below.
Sounds like: Daft Punk, Du Tonc
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Jesse Hite – When It All Comes Down
There is a definite lo-fi, funk theme in this week’s gems. Introducing Jesse Hite – an exciting solo artist who has just shared his debut ‘When It All Comes Down’.
An American artist living in France, Hite effortless blends sounds thanks to this move across the Atlantic, as well as travels through Asia.
‘When It All Comes Down’ is the first single of a three-song EP to be released. The song is full of character, soulful lyrics, in which Mite manages to create as much blooming sound as music troop, Jungle between a large number of them!
Sounds like: Shy Girls, YAKUL, Jungle, LCD Soundsystem
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youthxx – New Frontier
Taking on the challenge of a new anthem for millennials is youthxx (also one half of Golden Coast).
‘New Frontier’ achieves anthemic territory with an inspiring, unforgettable vocal and sharp contemporary production that mixes synthetic and organic sounds with finesse.
Sounds like: Imagine Dragons, Golden Coast
Beacon – On Ice
Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.
The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.
Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.
‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.
Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo
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The Rungs – King of Books
The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.
Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.
Sounds like: Men I Trust
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ORKID – NoNoh
ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.
Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.
Speaking about the track, ORKID says,
“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”
Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee
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Tanjier – Lights
Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.
Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.
Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael
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ANNALIA – Cycles
Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.
Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.
If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.
Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen
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Twin XL – Good
Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.
Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer
Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics
Hydromag – P.J.R
Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.
He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.
Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out
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Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue
We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.
Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.
With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.
Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd
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Neon Valley – Valley Girl
It’s Friday, almost the weekend, so let’s celebrate with a retro-inspired video, courtesy of Neon Valley.
‘Valley Girl’ amalgamates the best kind of funk and synth pop, laced in neon nu-disco with solid lyrics that will no doubt get you in the mood.
Sounds like: Chromeo, Du Tonc, ROOSEVELT
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All The Rest – Waste My Money
Formed in 2013 by a group of musicians in the sleepy town of Senoia, Georgia, All The Rest makes honest music for a disoriented and systematic generation.
Their new single, ‘Waste My Money’ is about spending literal and mental money on your significant other.
Sounds like: LANY
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Nakala – Never Changed
Nakala is a refreshing nu-R&B duo comprised of South Coast based Nakala and long-term production partner Brad Baker.
Their new track ‘Never Changed’ melodically free flows between the indietronica and hip hop genres and is reminiscent of a late-night drive through the city suburbs.
Sounds like: July Child, Ayelle
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PLYA – Innocent
PLYA is taking a slightly different direction to their usual stuff, focusing on a more dreamy pop landscape.
Their new single ‘Innocent’ considers “the nostalgia of looking back at purer times from a place filled with imperfections.”
Sounds like: Fickle Friends, Draper, Sykes, Broods, Phantogram, Monogem
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RAIGN – God Only Knows
Alt-pop romantic RAIGN today releases her album ‘SIGN’, which features a dark and dreamy cover of ‘God Only Knows’, the Beach Boys‘ classic.
RAIGN runs her own record label, Millionaire London Records, designs clothes, writes songs for some of the biggest names in music and is currently penning an audiobook (scored by herself), and after taking a listen to her album, we’ve decided that this girl is badass!
Sounds like: London Grammar, Lady Gaga
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Gabriella Vixen – Old Mistake
Break-ups suck, we all know that, and Kent-based Gabriella Vixen perfectly describes the process of bumping into an ex in her new single, ‘Old Mistake’,
“Old mistake is about the empowering realisation that comes after that brief moment that we all at some point have experienced. When you bump into someone from your past, a flash of memories, followed by belly flipping butterflies, losing the ability to talk without stuttering, rosy cheeks and even an exchange of new numbers.”
Feisty! Gabriella is on our ones to watch list for 2019.
Sounds like: Zara Larsson, Ariana Grande, Mura Masa, Rita Ora
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New Arcades – Hideaway
Introducing New Arcades, a cinematic synth duo comprised of Dean Canty and Adam Sullivan.
They have today released their new single ‘Hideaway’, which is a slow-burning ballad that gently builds to a powerful synthetic harmony of electronics and an epic guitar finale.
Sounds like: M83, Chromatics, College
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Laélia – Television Feat. Inu The Strange
Laélia is an energetic, Brazil born, London based femme fatale. Her music is eclectic to say the least, channelling the likes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.
She has teamed up with producer Inu The Strange on ‘Television’.
Listen below
Sounds like: Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Yonaka
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We love electronica being at the forefront of music, but we also love an amalgamation of genres. Cue WhoMadeWho, a Copenhagen-based trio comprised of Tomas Barfod, Jeppe Kjellberg and Tomas Høffding.
WhoMadeWho like to experiment sounds inbetween disco, funk, techno, indie rock and pop. They also like to tackle hot topics whilst they’re at it…including sex. It’s complicated, ever more so with dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, so why not listen to ‘Dynasty’, and turn that energy you spend on your phone into something good, like connecting with someone in real life? Good advice guys!
Sounds like: Hot Chip, Du Tonc
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Rae Isla – Mexico
Our hearts go out to those in Mexico at the moment. This one is for them.
‘Mexico’ is a debut song by Seattle-born Rae Isla, who has a family interest in South America. It features guitarist Lito de la Isla and was produced by Gianluca Buccellati (Tei Shi, Yellerkin).
Rae is donating all of her profits from the sale of the song to Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Laurel
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Motion Trap – The Movement
Denver duo, Motion Trap (aka Kyle Williams and Nathan Rogers) release spirited new single, ‘The Movement’, and the synth-rock-pop number does just that. Make you move.
Expect their sophomore album ‘Heavenly Bodies’ out soon.
Sounds like: Depeche Mode, OMD, Future Islands, Roosevelt, Cut Copy
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REFS – Fool
REFS is the project of Brooklyn-based producer, Zach Lipkins.
Pure emotion and intimacy oozes from his R&B hit ‘Fool’, all perfectly enveloped with fervorous production.
Sounds like: John Legend, Jack Garratt, Klyne
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Nocturnal Tapes – All I Need
Wow, Nocturnal Tapes have arrived and aren’t we happy they have!
Their new single ‘All I Need’ takes you on a spacial journey of floaty dreamscapes and psychedelia attitudes. It is about that moment when you realise you have everything you need and suddenly the pressure you’ve been putting on yourself can lift.
Sounds like: Kasabian, Tame Impala, Du Tonc, Cut Copy
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Kendall Morgan – Undertow
If Lorde decided to dabble in hip hop, this might be the result – ‘Undertow’ by Kendall Morgan.
Kendall grew up in Nashville, and started writing songs as early as she can remember. Her experience in songwriting has led her to working on tracks with Kendrick Lamar and Yo Gotti.
Listen to ‘Undertow’ below.
Sounds like: Lorde, Kacy Hill
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LIMITS – Falling
Belgian artist LIMITS shares ‘Falling’.
Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.
The track is out now.
Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle
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Wayfarer// – Broken Wire ft. LANKS
Wayfarer// teams up with fellow Australian LANKS on ‘Broken Wire’.
It has a great positive message, about not letting fear force you to waste opportunities, with a d’n’b undertone.
Listen below.
It’s the third single off the upcoming ‘Garden State’ EP, due out later this year.
Sounds like: Sampha, Radiohead, Rudimental, Becky Hill
Wayfarer//
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Lanks
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Satin Jackets – Northern Lights Feat. David Harks
German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.
As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.
It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix
Satin Jackets
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David Harks
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Alice Gray – Pink Cadillac
San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.
Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.
‘Pink Cadillac’ is out now.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, LINNEY, Sigrid, Billie Eilish
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Lissa Lo – All I Need Feat. Patrick Dunn
New song ‘All I Need’ is a collaboration between Brooklyn-based, bedroom producer Lissa Lo and Patrick Dunn.
On the duo’s second encounter, ‘All I Need’ was born with its innocently played vocal loops and lashings of romanticised lyrics.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Caswell, The Kite String Tangle
Lissa Lo
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Patrick Dunn
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Secret Weapons – Comeback Season
Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.
The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!
It’s out now via Epic.
Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks
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Seersha – Typical
Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.
Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins
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AWAY – Sleepwalker
Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring
London Thor.
Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.
Sounds like: Chainsmokers, Kiiara, Børns
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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