Tag Archives: Easy Life

Weekly Gems 181

Midnight Pool Party – DON’T KILL MY VIBE

Midnight Pool Party

The Australian duo Midnight Pool Party are back doing what they do best – bringing classic disco to the fore.

The new single – influenced by PNAU‘s remix of Elton John and Dua Lipa‘s ‘Cold Heart’ – is a heavy dose of pop, making even the weariest of heads feel undefeated.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Goldroom, Tourist, Roosevelt, Cosmos Midnight, Dua Lipa, Pnau, The Knocks, LIZZO

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George Gretton – Morning Feat theMIND

George Gretton

George Gretton

London-based multi-instrumentalist and singer George Gretton takes a turn in genre in ‘Morning’ featuring theMIND, ahead of his new EP, ‘Ordinary Life’ out in August.

Made during “a bit of a 90s boom-bap phase,” ‘Morning’ is about the predictability of taking some time out which ultimately leads to becoming a bit of a recluse.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bon Iver, Easy Life, Frank Ocean, Mura Masa, Ratatat

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Black Pines – SAINT

Black Pines

Black Pines

Essex band Black Pines shares ‘SAINT,’ a hugely personal song about grief and loss.

Used as a therapy for the band, it is jam-packed with raw and passionate emotion and continues that rich and shimmering alt-rock direction the band have cultivated for themselves.

Expect their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Talk Of The Devil’ on 29 July.

Sounds like: Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic

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Gavin Haley – Self Control Feat. Izzy Bizu

Gavin Haley

Cheeky Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gavin Haley has just released his vulnerable new EP, ‘Unfolding’.

Presented as an irresistible alternative pop sound with a hip-hop undercurrent offset by acoustic guitar and confessional lyrics, his feel-good music is both modern and connective.

Unfolding “a series of growing pains through music“, it’s a complex juxtaposition of actions and feelings, as Haley explains in more detail,

“I grew up in church, but I also raced bikes and listened to rap music when I could hide it from my family. I feel like I brought elements to this music from every area I’ve drawn inspiration from, but still staying me. Each song is its own story, and I hope this project connects with the people who find it and brings us closer. I wrote Unfolding almost entirely in a few days.”

The track ‘Self Control’ features Izzy Bizu and you can watch the video below:

The new EP is out now on Red Bull Records.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Shawn Mendes, Gareth Pugh, Jack Hawitt

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Weekly Gems 121

Gang of Four / JJ Sterry – Day Turns To Night

Gang of Four by Leo Cackett

Gang of Four by Leo Cackett

Gang of Four‘s singer, JJ Sterry shares the serene video for ‘Day Turns To Night’, written in the days following guitarist Andy Gill’s untimely death earlier this year.

Sounds like: The Raincoats, Attawalpa

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LoveLeo – HEAD OVER HEELS

LoveLeo

Charming LoveLeo shares the self-directed visuals for ‘HEAD OVER HEELS’, which follows a miniature Leo getting up to mischief. Another great video from the TikTok star.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Alfie Templeman

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ODDA – MAMA

ODDA

Imperfect indie artist ODDA shares the solemn track, ‘MAMA’, as he deeply explores all that is being human, from the judgement of others to the insecurities of ourselves.

Sounds like: Nirvana, Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers

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The Bright Light Social Hour – Enough

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

Austin quartet The Bright Light Social Hour shares cosmic single ‘Enough’, taking us on a groove-rich journey through 70’s psychedelic rock, with a contemporary production sheen.

Sounds like: Jagwar Ma, Jungle, Tame Impala, Pond, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

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Matilda Eyre x PALMR – Water

Matilda Eyre x PALMR - Water

The new collaboration between London-based German singer, songwriter and producer Matilda Eyre and Devon-based producer PALMR dives us into a pool of strength and freedom in new single ‘Water’.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Austra

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Weekly Gems 114

Mathew V – Don’t Let Me Go

Mathew V

Canadian born popstar Mathew V releases his enigmatic single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’.

A bold, unabashed pop track, Mathew V is using his strong roots within the LGBTQ+ community to express himself and let the music do the talking. Listen below.

Sounds like: Shawn Mendes, Dagny

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MΛD FVN – Skeletons

MΛD FVN

Debut act MΛD FVN has a lot to say, about a lot of things, including the light hearted topic of life, which she so nearly lost in two separate accidents.

A call to arms, this is emotional, raw and powerful.

Sounds like: Gia Woods, Broods

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kauf – Am I Crazy Feat. Overjoy (Kauf Rework)

Rising Los Angeles vocalist kauf is offering a rework of his first original track featuring another vocalist Overjoy – one of three artists on his burgeoning label ONE / HALF.

Taking a more “pop” approach to his music, he has added a UK garage style beat and some looped vocal samples, giving it more energy and bringing it into the dance world.

Sounds like: Kllo, James Blake, Nordic Giants, Bicep, Jon Hopkins, Caribou, Talos, Bonobo

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Francis On My Mind – Never Be The Same

Francis On My Mind - Never Be The Same

Only on her second release, 16 year old Romanian electro-pop act Francis On My Mind is proving that “Euro pop” is very much a thing of the past.

Sparing synth, melodic drums and fragile but still powerful vocals, this new song comes as a breath of fresh air in a saturated industry of overproduced singles.

Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, Jessie Ware, Monogem, Goldroom, Melis

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ELBA – 700 Angels

ELBA - 700 Angels

Danish pop newcomer ELBA is 25-year-old singer and songwriter Ellen Bathum. She tells stories about the loss of control and the many nuances of love.

Her new single ‘700 Angels’ has a catchy pop hook, but it almost feels like it splits in two directions – experimental electronic music and indie that ultimately culminates into a fiery explosion.

Sounds like: Lady Gaga, Blondage, Jinka

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Cloudy June – Psycho

Cloudy June

Former death metal singer, Cloudy June, takes a proud new step into the world of pop.

Expect her new ‘Psycho’ to be an exhilarating ride of rock and pop. It proves once again how young self-made independent talent can make a real impact.

Sounds like: Ava Max, Halsey, Girl Wilde

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Lex Low – Feel More

Lex Low

London-based Lex Low shares new single ‘Feel More. Ultimately questioning moments in his early life, should he be feeling less or more?

After seeking therapy this year, Lex has used this as a catalyst to tap into emotions from the past and create music. Listen below.

Sounds like: Easy Life, The Night Café

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Mokita – Over You

Mokita

Mokita shares the stripped back ‘Over You’.

With a modern twist on an emo/pop-punk ballad, the song was initially written in the format of a love letter to an ex, and shows a more sentimental perspective to Mokita’s music.

Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND

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Creature Comfort – Arcade Fire

Creature Comfort

Nashville bootgaze/indie-rock outfit Creature Comfort share the fuzzy ‘Arcade Fire’.

Not to be confused with the track ‘Creature’ Comfort’ by the band Arcade Fire (a cheeky nod to Arcade Fire unexpectedly releasing ‘Creature Comfort on the same day Clark and his bandmates performed at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2017), this is a psychedelic explosion with wavy electric guitar and unrelenting percussion.

Sounds like: Jagwar Ma, Pond, Liily, Future Thieves, The Weeks, Kurt Vile, Fleet Foxes

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Weekly Gems 110

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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Still Woozy – Window

Still Woozy

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

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LoveLeo – ROSIE

LoveLeo - ROSIE

We are slightly obsessed with the charm of LoveLeo (aka Leo Reilly).

The Los Angeles-based artist’s new single ‘ROSIE’ follows ‘BOYFREN’ in a visual sequel concept. The video, directed by Leo himself, is the psychological warfare of modern dating and features an immodest and vainglorious Leo in a satirical setting.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Alfie Templeman

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Weekly Gems 100

TESSA – Bad Bad Love

TESSA

Australian artist Tessa Neale (fka Hoodlem) wants to leave her ego at the door whilst making music. Unfiltered and full of sass, this is TESSA at her core.

Produced with Jeff Hazin and featuring Toronto rapper Terrell Morris, her new single ‘Bad Bad Love’ is an upbeat anti-love song sending a message to the game-playing lovers everywhere…we see you.

Sounds like: Mahalia, Empress Of, Nao, Jessie Ware

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Francis Novotny – Someone I Wanted To Be

Francis Novotny

Young Swedish songwriter Francis Novotny shares the beautiful ‘Someone I Wanted To Be’.

With modern rings of The Cinematic Orchestra‘s ‘To Build A Home’, the cinematic approach to this stripped-back song – about love, regret, and new perspectives – is delicately composed with an emotional piano progression, whilst his vocals take centre stage.

Sounds like: The Cinematic Orchestra

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STRØM – Blurred Out

STRØM

After months of anticipation, Swedish artist STRØM finally unveils his earnest chops, whilst, ironically sharing his new single called ‘Blurred Out’, taken from his debut album, ‘Immortal’ out now via This is Scandinavia / Sony Music.

With a cascading beat of drums and vocal loops, the track gives us an intriguing glimpse into the album.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, TENDER, Solomon Grey, James Blake

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Benji Lewis – No Alibi

Benji Lewis

Sounds like: The 1975, The Kite String Tangle, Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure

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Christian Cohle – Breathe

Christian Cohle by Adrian Wojtas

Christian Cohle by Adrian Wojtas

Dublin-born Christian Cohle shares his haunting and melancholic debut single, ‘Breathe’.

Mixing majestic synthesizers and driving rhythms, ‘Breathe’ explores the emotional struggle of feeling interlinked with something that turns out to be artificial. Discussing the inspiration behind his new record, Cohle says: “Breathe was predominantly informed by experiences I was going through at the time, but also very much influenced by the neo-noir science fiction film, Blade Runner 2049.

Sounds like: James Blake, Sampha, Jai Paul, Solomon Grey

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Matthew Scott Ragland – Here and Now

Matthew Scott Ragland by Holly Peyton

Matthew Scott Ragland by Holly Peyton

Dallas-based songwriter, producer, recording artist and former band member of Austin based Nelo, Matthew Scott Ragland finds solace in a new project.

His double single, ‘Here and Now / Now is Here’ was written by Ragland from a purist point of view, where synthesizers, drum machines and string samples take the place of his trusted guitar.

Sounds like: The Stone Roses, Ulrich Schnauss, Jon Hopkins, Joe Goddard

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Pastel – Let You (Feat. Haoting)

Pastel - Let You (Feat. Haoting)

French-Polynesian singer and multi-instrumentalist Pastel unveils his impossibly smooth new single, ‘Let You’.

It’s a blissed out neo-jazz Bossa Nova fusion compiled alongside long-time friend and Taiwanese artist, Haoting.

Sounds like: FKJ, Miller Blue, Yakul, Easy Life, Hers, Tom Misch

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Weekly Gems 96

Epic Empire – Go On

Epic Empire - Go On

French composer and “perfectionist machinist” Epic Empire brings joy to our ears with the new song, ‘Go On’.

Asking for us to search deep inside ourselves, the emotive track echoes both the old school touches of Moby as well as more modern producers, Model Man.

Sounds like: Model Man, Joe Goddard, Moby

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Hundreds – Body of Water

Hundreds by J Konrad Schmidt_

Hundreds by J Konrad Schmidt_

Introducing electro-pop band Hundreds.

The serene new single ‘Body Of Water’ is, according to lead singer Eva Milner, “an ode to the spirits of the water and its power”.

With a focus on nature, especially the sea, Hundreds reminds us of being care-free creators in nature with great poignancy.

Sounds like: Róisín Murphy, Austra, St. Vincent, La Roux, The Knife

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Sløtface – Tap the Pack

Sløtface

Norweigan band Sløtface shares ‘Tap the Pack’ – a raw and catchy self-pep talk about keeping fear by your side to drive you and not letting it bring you down.

Their album ‘Sorry For The Late Reply’ is out at the end of the month via Nettwerk/Propellor Recordings.

Sounds like: Wolf Alice

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KYTES – GO OUT

KYTES

Wow, the German music scene is really blossoming at the moment. Munich-based band KYTES is bringing some positive energy in the new video for the indie-pop banger, ‘GO OUT’.

Reminiscing to a time when life seemed easier, ‘GO OUT’ is a throw-back tune through and through and celebration of teenage years.

Sounds like: Phoenix, Blossoms, High Tyde, Travis, Them Swoops, Native People, Strange Talk, Two Door Cinema Club, Parcels

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Dan Croll – Yesterday

Dan Croll

Dan Croll returns with the release of double A-side single ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Stay In L.A.’ through Communion Records.

Following a transition to California from Liverpool two years ago, Croll’s writing has taken a more sunny demeanor, although there still remains a contemplative undercurrent with a gentle nod to his home town.

Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, The Beatles, Elton John, Bombay Bicycle Club

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Bad Progress – Bad Progress

Bad Progress

Started by London-based Zygmunt Day, Joe Hyam and Nathan Kerntiff in 2019, Bad Progress is an experimental and refreshingly practical project that focuses on “the blend of musical styles playing in pubs and out of car windows in London” in a timeless and often scrappy style.

Their philosophy is “just make it easy”, which can be seen in their EP, ‘Moody Bangers’, out now.

Sounds like: Fontaines D.C., Black Midi, The Clash, Black Country New Road

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Big Fox – Beast

Big Fox

Big Fox might not be a name on the lips of the UK music lovers, but she has had huge success around Europe, especially Scandinavia, Germany, Italy and France.

The fragility of her new single ‘Beast’ is moving – she interrogates the process of using violence and fear to enforce order, and frames through a plucky-pop lens.

Sounds like: Feist, Lana Del Rey

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M.I.L.K – Need A Witness

M.I.L.K

Multi-talented Scandinavian songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer Emil Wilk, better known as M.I.L.K releases new single ‘Need A Witness​’ via Capitol Universal.

His new, self-produced single, ‘Need A Witness’ is a feel good and laid back jam full of technicolor. Expect his forthcoming debut album ‘Always Summer Somewhere’ set for release in March.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Rex Orange County

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Savannah Sgro – Stable

Savannah Sgro

Nashville based independent singer/songwriter Savannah Sgro is another addition to the sad girl pop revolution.

Her new single ‘Stable’ comes ahead of her SXSW debut, and features heartfelt lyrics and plenty of other pop sensibilities.

Sounds like: CILVR, Chelsea Cutter

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Weekly Gems 67

YAKUL – Blossoming

Yakul

At the forefront of the neo-jazz revolution is Brighton-based fourpiece Yakul.

Echoes of Stevie Wonder courtesy of frontman James’ indulgent vocals, the unexpectedly cohesive new single ‘Blossoming’ offers playful percussion and razor-sharp fills to create a complex yet vibrant song.

Sounds like: Stevie Wonder, Easy Life, Nico Cara

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Lila Drew – take it back

Lila Drew

Lila Drew‘s vocal capacity will instantly melt your heart and that’s why she’s on our ones to watch 2019 list.

The dreamy urban pop single ‘take it back’ is featured on her EP, ‘locket (side one)’ – a musical scrapbook of her life to date.

Sounds like: Ariana Grande, Caswell, Billie Eilish

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ORIION – Ayodele

ORIION

We are intrigued by ORIION‘s genre-bending take on “nostalgic pop”. The musical nomad has lived off a diet of pop icons which has fuelled his cutting edge sound.

His new single ‘Ayodele’ straddles the retro past and the euphoria future. Listen below.

Sounds like: Zayn

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Will & The People – Gigantic

Will & The People

Brighton-based band Will & The People is comprised of Will Rendle, brother Jamie, Jim Ralphs and Charlie Harman.

The new single ‘Gigantic’ is an alt-pop number offering a raw seaside vibe. The video – which you can watch below – showcases their creative side, and features both their hometown and friends and family of the band.

Sounds like: Alt-J

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State Lights – Open Your Arms

State Lights

One of Ireland’s best new acts, State Lights, is destined for big arenas across international gazes.

The catchy indie pop single ‘Open Your Arms’ makes a statement about empowerment and ends this week’s gems on a hugely positive note.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Coldplay, Kygo, Bastille

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