Tag Archives: Ed Sheeran

Weekly Gems 134

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Caspian Pool – Insider

Caspian Pool

French synth-dance duo Caspian Pool likes to keep us on our toes with their wide-ranging selection of electronic music. Cue the colour-fuelled visuals for the foot-thumping ‘Insider’.

Sounds like: Nimmo, The Chemical Brothers, Hercules & Love Affair, Goldfrapp, Joe Goddard, Chvrches, Digitalism, Holy Ghost!, Boys Noize, Little Dragon, Cut Copy, Icona Pop

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Psyence – Retrospect

Psyence by Mark Vyse

Psyence by Mark Vyse

Anthemic alt-rock band Psyence returns with psychedelic sensibilities in rousing new single ‘Retrospect’, reminding us that every bitter end has a new beginning.

Sounds like: Queens of the Stone Age, Kasabian, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, The Blinders, Wolfmother

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Beharie – Me & My Lonely

Beharie

Distinctive Norwegian voice, Beharie shares his soulful, folk and ambient blend in the form of ‘Me and My Lonely’. Pastoral and beautiful, the track orbits a peaceful finger-picked acoustic riff.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Bombay Bicycle Club

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Flechettes – Chasing Youth

Flechettes

Wigan-based four-piece Flechettes share the radio-ready and uplifting ‘Chasing Youth’, with blazing indie-pop guitar riffs and catchy vocals, making for a seriously dynamic record.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Red Rum Club, The Blinders, Stanleys, Garden Party

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Chillhum – Dancing (Alone)

Chillhum

22-year-old producer, songwriter and musician Ethan Bedell – aka Chillhum – shares ‘Dancing Alone’, a stripped back and melodic blissed-out track that celebrates the joys of being alone.

Sounds like: Gaspar Narby, Couro, Flume, Ed Sheeran, Flume, Louis The Child, Petit Biscuit, Troye Sivan, Robotaki

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Bre Kennedy – Where Did Summer Go

Bre Kennedy by Lindsey Patkos

Bre Kennedy by Lindsey Patkos

Songwriting heavyweight Bre Kennedy winds down for the cooler months with her acoustic track ‘Where Did Summer Go’, a nostalgic ballad that symbolises the passing and loss of time and dreams that never got to see the heat of summer.

Sounds like: Charli Adams, Taylor Swift, HAIM, First Aid Kit

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Izza – Lows

IZZA by Sam Rockman

IZZA by Sam Rockman

Dark-pop artist Izza chronicles the ups and downs of dealing with anxiety and depression in a world where people are obsessed with the perceived perfection of their online selves, in new single ‘Lows’.

Sounds like: Dua Lipa, Gracey, Call Me Loop, Mabel

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Weekly Gems 130

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Griff x Honne – 1,000,000 X Better

Griff x Honne - 1,000,000 X Better

British teen and born creative, Griff teams up with Honne on the sincere ‘1,000,000 X Better’. Once again tackling an array of important issues for generations, we say make some room Dua Lipa.

Sounds like: Owl City, GRACEY, Emily Burns, Sody

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Ed Prosek – Now and Then

Ed Prosek

Ed Prosek‘s new single ‘Now and Then’ marks the first chapter in a compelling new story for the talented solo artist. Picking up the folks riffs from his roots, he looks ahead with a fondness towards growing old.

Sounds like: Mumford & Sons, Jack Garratt, Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo

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Jimmy Smash – Under

Jimmy Smash

Rising Norwegian alt-pop production duo Jimmy Smash let us loose on their tranquil and groove-rich piece of electronic pop, ‘Under’. For fans anywhere between Jungle and Roosevelt.

Sounds like: Jungle, Tame Impala, Roosevelt, Maribou State

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Wolf & Moon – Eyes Closed

Wolf & Moon by Jordann Wood

Wolf & Moon by Jordann Wood

Berlin-based Wolf & Moon shares ‘Eyes Closed’. In doing this invigorates some sort of superpower, according to the duo, an ability to awaken the senses that were once sleeping. Try it for yourself.

Sounds Like: James Vincent McMorrow, Lea Porcelain, Xul Zolar, The xx, Bryde

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Beau Turrentine – Take Your Time

Beau Turrentine

‘Take Your Time’ and smell the flowers. That’s the message in Beau Turrentine‘s latest song, with its woozy and enticing demeanour that channels sweet and blissful dream-pop tones. It’s out now via Terrible Records.

Sounds like: Tame Impala

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Chillum – Waste My Time Feat. Devyn Sawyer

Chillhum

Chillhum shares ‘Waste My Time’ featuring a vocal duet with Devyn Sawyer. It’s another slice of intricate and experimental bedroom pop with acoustic-electric R&B from the budding singer-songwriter/guitarist/producer.

Sounds like: Gaspar Narby, Ed Sheeran, Flume, Louis The Child, Petit Biscuit, Troye Sivan, Robotaki

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chillhum – I’m Slippin’

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chillhum – I'm Slippin'

Los Angeles-based chillhum blends guitar-led pop sounds with future-beat/electronica.

A potentially unusual combination, his new single ‘I’m Slippin’ shows how it can be done successfully, immediately captivating us with lush and slightly erratic beats that are delicately weaved with his smooth vocals.

He explains,

“I felt as if the song was building towards an eerie and almost disorienting climax, and that’s what I tried to achieve with my sound design, all of which I did entirely from scratch. The way the almost acoustic verse and pre-chorus build and lead into the droning lead synth and distorted bass reminded me of the feeling of transitioning between two different states of mind. This idea is where the lyrical concept of “I’m Slippin” was really solidified, and I tried to draw on my own personal experiences to give the listener vivid descriptive phrases that made them feel almost as if they themselves are making such a transition just from listening to the song.”

Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Flume, Louis The Child, Petit Biscuit, Troye Sivan, Robotaki

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Weekly Gems 106

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Zachary Knowles – Cherry Wine

Zachary Knowles

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

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Latir – Wallflower

Latir - Wallflower

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

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Mokita – Take It Back Feat. Ella Vos

Mokita

The project of multi-instrumentalist John-Luke Carter – aka Mokita – is growing from strength to strength.

His new song, in which has teamed up with the rising star Ella Vos, deals with some of the complexities of relationships.

Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND

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FARR – Wildflowers

FARR

Transatlantic alt-pop duo FARR – aka Roméo and producer Linden Jay – shares ‘Wildflowers’.

An almost eerie rendition that steps outside genre lines, with sultry vocals exposing the truth about someone’s actions. Listen below.

Sounds like: RKCB, Jadu Heart, Dan D’Lion, James Vickery, Rudimental

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Laura Hyde – Bliss

Laura Hyde - Bliss

Laura Hyde shares her third single, ‘Bliss’.

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.

Sounds like: Sigrid, Billie Marten, Emilie Nicolas, Skott

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TENDER – Living

TENDER - Living

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

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Chris James – Melancholy

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

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Briskey – Don’t Want To Talk About It

Briskey - Don't Want To Talk About It

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.

Sounds like: Hayden James, Goldroom, Bag Raiders

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Weekly Gems 81

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R.LUM.R – Cold

R.LUM.R

Honest and upfront as always, R.LUM.R releases his catchy new song titled ‘Cold’ to the world.

The passionate two-minute track which addresses a romance that went downhill highlights R.LUM.R’s honest and vulnerable lyricism. Watch the official music video for the cathartic tune ‘Cold’ here.

Expect his album – released on Island Records – very soon.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Blood Orange, LA Bouquet

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LUCIANBLOMKAMP – Sound of the Morning

LUCIANBLOMKAMP

Classically-trained Australian producer LUCIANBLOMKAMP shares his immersive new single, ‘Sound of the Morning’.

A potent version of the track (of which there are four dramatically different versions), inspired by the opening melody of TAPZ‘s ‘Shadow’, which, ironically, is no longer in the song after a few reworks.

Sounds like: Khalid, The Weeknd, Lastlings, Seekae, TAPZ

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Teö – History

Teö

Filipino newcomer Teö shares a stunner of a debut, entitled ‘History’.

Surrounding himself with music from a young age, there is no doubting this 18 year old is wise before his years. Written about living in the present, ‘History’ is a pop ballad with sweet licks of RnB.

Sounds like: Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran

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Trove – GTFO (Feather Remix)

Trove - GTFO (Feather Remix)

Upcoming producer Feather – aka the moniker of Minnesota born/Nashville native, Kyle Featherstone – shares his remix of ‘GTFO’ by Trove, a cross-over between anthemic pop and EDM.

Growing up playing piano, Feather was surprisingly inspired by groups such as Coldplay, Jack’s Mannequin, and Augustana. Fascinated by the blossoming electronic genre, he quickly left his touring band and began producing.

Sounds like: Odesza

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Emma McGrath – Other Side

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Emma McGrath

Emma McGrath is back with another knockout pop single called ‘Other Side’.

There is no doubt that Emma’s music has matured over the last year and this is adamantly clear in the bold, guitar-infused anthem, where we see a more vulnerable side of Emma.

Speaking about the track, Emma explains,

“Other Side is the first song I wrote in the US. The song started out with my best mate Alfie and I deciding we needed a quality country song, but it very, very quickly turned into something else! The song is about needing honesty; I can’t fix any of your problems, but I’ll promise to be there and help you through the ups and downs of life. I’m almost asking for permission, not wanting to give my all to something for fear of being let down; I’m searching for reassurance.”

‘Other Side’ is out today via Young Poet Records, and is taken from her upcoming four-track EP, to be released this Autumn.

Live

20 July – L Fest, Bodafon Farm, Llandudno, Wales
24 July – Blue Balls Festival, Switzerland w/ Charlotte Gainsbourg
27 July – The Drawing Room, Chesham, UK
27 July – Standon Calling, UK
2 August – Underneath The Stars, UK
18 – 21 September – Reeperbahn Festival, Germany

Sounds like: Soak, Florence + The Machine, London Grammar, Birdy, FOXES, Ed Sheeran

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Playlist: Amahla

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Amahla - Consider This

Incredible young talent Amahla makes neo-soul music with pure heart.

In times of hardship, authentic voices, stories, and creativity can always thrive, so I suppose there is at least one silver lining to Brexit and the issues of immigration and women’s rights.

Amahla has put together a playlist of a few songs that have influenced her recently. They differ in genre, but all put great vocals to the front.

Nick Drake – River Man
I’m new to Nick Drake but I absolutely love this one, his voice takes you on a journey through the song

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
There is so much class in this record, killer pre chorus, chorus and the dynamics flow just right.

Don Bryant – How Do I Get There?
I only discovered this song last week but i’ve not been able to stop playing it! Turns out Don was a songwriter at Hi records (Al Green, Ann Peebles) it just fills me with warmth every time I listen.

Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers
Ed’s language choices in this track are so powerful especially about such mundane things. I guess when you lose someone you do tend to focus on all the little things

Beyonce – Get Me Bodied
I love this song, once it hits the middle 8 it reminds me so much of Chain of Fools by Aretha. An underrated song from B 100%

Brother Brothers – Colorado
I really love the way the melody line sits above the guitar, it glides so effortlessly and makes their sound feel new.

Amahla – Consider This
It’s lovely because every time I play this live I get to reinvent the arrangement, this is definitely a style that I’m hoping to build on in future releases

You can listen to her deeply personal EP below.

Sounds like: Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Grace Carter, Caswell, Lauryn Hill

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Weekly Gems 47

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Lydia Evangeline – Down

Lydia Evangeline

Lydia Evangeline is standing as a quality and thought-provoking songstress.

Never truer to a gritty pop sound, ‘Down’ is about a toxic relationship, full of lyrical sadness and an optimstic sass running throughout.

It’s out now via Bespoke Records.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, NAO

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CILVR – Bound To Die

CILVR

Swedish singer/songwriter CILVR has drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish, Lykke Li and Kate Bush and we can understand why with her delicate take on Scandi-pop.

But don’t be fooled, these dulcet tones quickly transcend into slick and airy pop.

With a genuine ability to write original songs, we are excited of things to come from CILVR.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Robyn

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Suns Up – Love You Back

Suns Up

What’s up Suns Up? Sussex country-bumpkin band Suns Up will definitely brighten up your day with ‘Love You Back’.

A perfect indie-pop anthem with sweet guitar melodies, infectious hooks and dizzy vocals. As seen on your next Made in Chelsea episode very soon…

Sounds like: Sea Girls, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club, The 1975, Phoenix, Sundara Karma

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Chris Ayer – Need Somebody

Chris Ayer - Need Somebody

West Coast dweller Chris Ayer shares ‘Need Somebody’.

It’s a pop song through and through, written about being in a relationship with someone that you know isn’t good for you, a perfect remedy for heartbroken teens across the globe.

Sounds like: XY&O, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran

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Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dylan Emmet has a gut wrenching story to tell. After discovering about a two year old daughter he never know about, Emmet packed his bags and moved to New York to be a full-time dad and musician.

He has enlisted Candian singer/songwriter Constance (NÉONHÈART) on their emotional song ‘Memory’, and the special chemistry between Emmet and Constance is clear throughout the song.

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Bellhouse – Like You Loved Us

Bellhouse

Bellhouse is the Swedish pop project of Emma-Lee Andersson.

A trained truck driver who would have chosen a career in criminology if it weren’t for her music, it’s perhaps surprising that Bellhouse didn’t notice her musical talent in pop music soon.

Her gorgeously radio-ready ‘Like You Loved Us’ had us at hello and for this reason, Bellhouse is one of our Ones to Watch for 2019.

Sounds like: Allie X, Zella Day, ORKID, Harlee

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Jamie N Commons – Paper Dreams

Jamie N Commons

Following a move to Los Angeles to pursue his now hugely successful songwriting career, Jamie N Commons found his music took an unexpected turn towards the musical greats of the 80’s.

Containing these ingredients, plus the addition of some rock and blues in there, Jamie N Commons’ ‘Paper Dreams’ are certainly proving fruitful.

Sounds like: Rag’n’Bone Man, Jacob Banks

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thanks. – HYHU

thanks.

Berklee Music of College graduates duo thanks. are inspiring musicians around the world with their new single ‘HYHU’ (Hold Your Head Up).

It does exactly what it says on the tin, with an extra dose of groovy indie-pop swagger and electronic melodies.

Sounds like: Coach & Ref, Rudimental

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Clinic Blonde – Fabled

Clinic Blonde

Copenhagen quarter Clinic Blonde are playing it nonchalant with dreamy new single ‘Fabled’.

Their sound is both fresh and nostalgic – think sparkling riffs and sky-high vocals that will warm the warmest of months.

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Weekly Gems 41

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Sugarcane – Bethnal Green Blues

Sugarcane

Comprised of Robin French (Cuckoo) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits, Lovesick), these two creatives write seductive bossa nova music paired with calypso pop sensibilities that would fit well on the soundtrack of ‘The End of the F***ing World’.

On the motivation behind Bethnal Green Blues, Robin states,

“Sometimes you write a sad song from a happy moment. This came to me while I was flying to South America to see a girl I’d fallen for. It’s about the emotional ice age after a romance fails, but it was written as that ice melted under the Argentine sun..”

Sounds like: Nouvelle Vague, Men I Trust

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Dancing On Tables – Colour Me Good

Dancing On Tables by Lucy Foster-0009

We love an indie anthem, so thank you to five-piece pop-rock, Dancing On Tables.

The band, school friends from school in Dunfermline, a small town just outside Edinburgh, have released ‘Colour Me Good’ – a groove-laced, vintage indie-pop track that encapsulates sun-drenched, dance-able songwriting with a distinct Scottish charm.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975

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Slenderbodies – The One

Slenderbodies

Slenderbodies is a California-bred duo who write forward-thinking, dreamy synth-pop.

Their new single ‘The One’ is intricately subtle musical medication, shared in preparation of their upcoming EP, ‘SORAYA’, to be released through Los Angeles indie label Avant Garden, which is also home to Emotional Oranges.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-J, Milky Chance, Mura Masa, Passion Pit, PVRIS

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Dirty Nice – Always Summer

Dirty Nice

Forget those summer blues.

Mysterious UK-based duo, Dirty Nice, make a positive point in new single – it’s always summer, somewhere.

Released on Kitsuné, the single is an antidote to holiday blues, and the “optimistic twin” to their track ‘Zero Summer’.

Sounds like: Shy Luv, Phoenix, Daft Punk, Jai Paul, Sylvan Esso

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Gavin Haley – Sad Season

Gavin Haley

From summer season to ‘Sad Season’ with former professional cyclist Gavin Haley‘s latest single.

While competing with the national cycling team, Haley suffered an injury that resulted in a collapsed lung, setting back his travel by several months. During his recovery, he explored and found inspiration in Europe’s underground music scene, becoming enamored with energetic live performances filled with a grit and energy.

Starting with a simple West Coast-inspired guitar riff, ‘Sad Season’ soon picks up and exposes determined pop and R&B.

Sounds like: Zayn Malik, Frank Ocean, Ed Sheeran

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ROYAL – Vessel

ROYAL

Canadian songstress ROYAL debuts with ‘Vessel’, the first of six new tracks that appear on her upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’.

Covering the topic of heartbreak, loss of identity and raw self-reflection, this is electro-pop at its finest in 2018.

Speaking about ‘Vessel,’ ROYAL says,

“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love, and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.”

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Lana Del Rey, Evvy, Noosa, Dominique, The xx

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Von Sell – Scene Of A Crime

Von Sell

Last but not least, our favourite breakthrough act – self-taught producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Von Sell.

After a bout of vocal pain and subsequent treatment, we are pleased to say that Von Sell is on the mend and returning to our stereos with ‘Scene OF A Crime’.

Taken from his forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘Digital Sleep’, the song reflects on unrequited love, but, due to its uptempo nature, it will ultimately leave a taste of confusion in your mouth because you can’t help but dance despite the disconcerting subject matter.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze, Peter Gabriel, Alt-J, Thomas Azier

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Emma McGrath – Butterfly

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Emma McGrath by CK Goldiing

Emma McGrath continues to make waves in the pop world with the release of ‘Butterfly’ taken from her ‘Silent Minds’ EP, out on 13 April.

The song shows a more feisty and upfront side of Emma than her last release ‘Love You Better’, inspired about getting rid of fake people in your life and doing what is morally right instead of following the crowd, even though it may be detrimental to your own situation.

Disclosure: I am Emma’s publicist at the time of writing.

Sounds like: Soak, Florence + The Machine, London Grammar, Birdy, FOXES, Ed Sheeran

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