Brooklyn-based band Plastic Picnic share confessional new single, ‘September Second’.
Written by the band, it’s a kind of invigorating rock that invites breezy wavy synths and plays with pop sensibilities, all whilst being, ultimately, pretty heartbreaking.
The release comes ahead of their sophomore EP ‘Vistalite’ out tomorrow.
Crafted with the help of SubPop staple and producer TrevorSpencer (Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes), ‘Vistalite’ pays homage to Plastic Picnic’s origins in the Pacific Northwest.
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
It’s always good to be clean, and no popstars come as fresh as London-based Alex Maxwell.
Want to know what her secret is? Showering to this playlist of course.
Cat Power – 3,6,9
I love her, her attitude, her power….
Lana del Rey – West Coast
…moody…vibey….right up my street
Only Real – Lemonade
I know all the lyrics to this song. Attempting to rap along to it in the shower gets me hyped up and ready for the day.
Moodoid – Je Suis La Montagne
A perfect symphony of psychedelic madness…especially toward the end.
Grimes – Flesh Without Blood
So obsessed with this girl.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero
Their songs never disappoint. Definitely one of my go-to’s… And Karen O is just too cool.
Bishop Briggs – River
I just recently discovered her and I’m hooked. Her voice is SO powerful.
Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
My favourite song by my favourite band. Pure genius.
Father John Misty – Strange Encounter
I could listen to this album on repeat and wouldn’t get bored. The music, the lyrics, his voice… pure and strong.
Russian Red – Cigarettes
The melody, her voice and intricate simplicity of this song is like a breath of fresh air.
Cigarettes after Sex – K
I love their sound. Their full EP is really worth a listen, and they do a sick cover of the classic “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon.
Myself! – No Flight
Out of all my tracks, I think this one fits best with the playlist.
Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, First Aid Kit, All Saints, Zella Day, Lana Del Rey, Kylie Minogue
Young Summer is a talented artist from Washington, US.
The tracks on her upcoming EP give us a glimpse into the many facets of her music, and with that in mind, we asked Young Summer to put together a playlist for us, featuring the artists that influence her the most.
Björk – Stonemilker
This song is such a work of art and stretches the traditional framework of song structure. I revisit her and this song whenever I feel I need inspiration.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love
I love the lyrics in the beginning, “checked into my heart and trashed it like a hotel room”. The vocals and how they’re layered and affected are perfection. The drum fills are brilliant, I love how they punctuate and separate sections of the song.
Miguel – Waves
This song has one of the best bridges and falls in line with that old songwriting rule that you don’t put an active bridge in a song if it isn’t better than the entire song, otherwise it can ruin it, and this song and its bridge are incredible!
Niki & The Dove – So Much It Hurts
The title alone had me the moment I read it. The song is so emotional but has a groove that doesn’t quit. I am a huge fan of theirs and loved their record “Instinct.” This song and their new album are amazing. Malin Dahlström’s voice has elements of Stevie Nicks but is still all her own and I could listen to it all day long.
Anohni – 4 Degrees
She’s incredible for a myriad of reasons and this song is one of them. There’s a delicate synth and a menacing brass section, which make it so beautifully dynamic. And of course, her vocal is so mesmerizing.
Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
I love this song’s gritty, raw guitar tone. His lyrics are direct and unambiguous which is one of many reasons to love him. He brings a direct narrative to his songwriting which I haven’t loved this much since Johnny Cash did it. I have mountains of respect for him and if you get a chance to see him live, do it.
Caribou – Can’t Do Without You
This is a song that feels like you’re living inside a lush breeze for three minutes and 56 seconds. The sentiment is explained immediately and washes over you. It is perfect and beautiful. If you’re paying attention and listen to the entire song you get the reward of a confession at the very end, “And you’re the only thing I think about. It’s all that I can still do. And you know you’re the one I dream about. I couldn’t do without you.”
Maybird – Turning into Water
They’ve got a psychedelic sound and I am so down with that. The guitar tones and ambient vocals are on point. It feels classic but new all at the same time.
Radiohead – No Surprises
It wouldn’t be a playlist without Radiohead. I am a massive fan of theirs. This song is beautifully dark just the way I like ‘em. He [Thom Yorke] sneaks the most desperate of lyrics into a beautiful, shiny almost childlike sounding song. I love to disguise sadness with melody.
Spoon – Inside Out
I love the percussive undercurrent of this song and how it feels as though it dictates its movement and evolution. Britt Daniel’s vocals are just perfection as always.
Listen to the jazzed-out and laid back ‘Paused Parade’ below.
