Tag Archives: FKA Twigs

Playlist: Máni Orrason

Máni Orrason

Self-confessed emo kid Máni Orrason shares his latest ruminatory offering that captures his vulnerabilities through a frivolous lens in which he recounts the fascination of molding a new identity and the idea of erasing yourself to create something better: an untouchable Romeo wrapped in leather or a ghostly fabrication of effervescent cool.

We asked Máni to put together a playlist, which you can listen to below:

Francis and The Lights – You Still Take Me To The Light

A couple days ago I read this NYT interview with him from 2020. It’s a really moving article that gave me a new window into his music. I’ve been listening a lot to him the last few days. I love this song with Kanye, Bon Iver, Chance The Rapper and him.

Nicholas Britell – Agape

I always say that it’s really difficult to be anxious floating in the ocean. That’s kind of how I feel about listening this song. It forces me to breathe. It’s like dawn in spring. I listen to this all the time

Björk – I Remember You

I don’t need to fall in love as long as this song exists. Björk transcended the physical realm with this one. I get goosebumps every time. I feel one step closer to god when Björk belts like that.

Madlib – Slim’s Return

This song is on the “Shades Of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note” album. I found it randomly a couple weeks ago. Madlib was given access to the whole Blue Note discography and he made this album. It’s really brilliant. I just want to play chess and drink cognac by a fireplace when I hear it.

Yeat – Sorry Bout That

My 16 year old brother has been trying to get me into Yeat for a while. I kind of just got into him but it’s so good. Stylistically so on point. Insane heat.

Black Country, New Road – Good Will Hunting

An amazing song from an amazing album. This song feels like if Funeral and Arcade Fire made an album in 2022. Also feels like Cap’ n Jazz and those emo bands a bit.

Moondog – Pastoral II

I think most of the music I’ve been listening to has just been to get me through the winter. This song is so soothing. Harp music. Listen to this and tell me you don’t feel a bit better.

Clairo – Bambi

I think first of all this album sounds so incredible. These songs, the arrangements, the production is just so inspiring to me. I really love it.

Samaris – Góða Tungl

Samaris is an amazing Icelandic band. I bought the EP this song is on when it came out almost 10 years ago. I was recently going through my records at my parents house a few days ago and put this on. It’s so interesting listening to something you haven’t heard for 10 years and how differently you respond to it. It such a good song.

A$AP NAST, D33J – Designer Boi

I listen to this song on loop all the time. It’s perfect.

Overmono – Bby

I was in a trance with this song for a few days. I didn’t listen to anything else.

FKA twigs – meta angel

This new FKA twigs album fills the void of PC music Charli XCX. It feels like Pop 2 in some ways. This song is great.

George Jones – I’ve Aged Twenty Years In Five

I recently finished listening to season 2 of Cocaine and Rhinestones. It’s a podcast about country music and the new season focuses on George Jones. I really recommend it wether you like country or not. When you hear George Jones sing “I’ve seen the dark side of life”, he means it. It’s really heartbreaking music.

The Smile – The Smoke

I love that the most subversive thing Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke could do right now is start a rock band. I also love this song cause it fills the void of the Sault album not being on streaming platforms anymore.

Död Mark – Paranoid schizofren

I love Yung Lean. His project as jonatan leandoer96 is really inspiring to me. I really like this album too from his punk band.

Elliot Smith – Ballad Of Big Nothing

I was always scared of Elliot Smith, when I was young I heard how he died and it made me really scared of his music. Like there was a darkness to it I couldn’t handle. But I don’t think there’s an album I’ve listened to more the last year than Either/Or.

The Weeknd feat. Tyler, The Creator – Here We Go… Again

I get really emotional every time I hear the weekend sing “my new girl, she a movie star”. Don’t know why. Love this song.

Sounds like: Jesse, SUM41, The 1975, Neon Indian, Toro y Moi

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Cyrano – Plaster

Cyrano

After the success of ‘Afterburns‘ – which came with a quirky personality quiz – the Scottish multi-instrumentalist, Cyrano returns with the final single, ‘Plaster’, taken from his debut four track EP, ‘Consolations’.

Inspired by The National’s Matt Berninger lyrical milieu, Cyrano explains,

“Plaster is probably me at my most vulnerable, but I think that’s why it’s one of my favourite songs I’ve written. The first line “Locke halts; he’s got my head in a river drawn out starting to shiver” describes a moment in counselling where I felt completely broken. Locke is someone I owe a lot to for pulling me through, and Plaster is for anyone struggling and an admission of strength through weakness. As difficult as life can feel, there’ll be a moment where you come through, towel dry and seeing the past in hindsight.”

The EP – co-produced alongside FoalsKit Monteith and Luke Smith (FKA Twigs, Keaton Henson) – is left-field pop, full of vulnerability, covering topics including anxiety and depression, love and growing older. Listen below.

Sounds like: Vaults, Arab Strap

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Childe – Just Me

Childe by Scarlett Anderson

Childe by Scarlett Anderson

Childe releases his new single ‘Just Me’, about loneliness in a modern world. It’s a groovy whirl of eclectic synths and darker kaleidoscopic sounds within the chill-pop genres.

Sounds like: MK.Gee, Two Feet, FVLCRVM

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Dugong Jr – Float Feat. Rromarin

Dugong Jr - Float Feat. Rromarin

Chinese/Australian multidisciplinary creative Dugong Jr shares the dreamy new single ‘Float’ featuring Rromarin. Inspired by the UK garage scene, the electronic producer creates a refreshing take on a classic sound.

Sounds like: Jai Wolf, Qrion, Pat Lok, Rome in Silver, Robotaki, Cabu, Thor Rixon, Salt Ashes

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Matt Maltese – madhouse

Matt Maltese by Lainy Black

Matt Maltese by Lainy Black

Kid of the moment, Matt Maltese, is making waves with his soft take on 2020 indie. With a DIY aesthetic and scarily accurate prediction of current times, despite his continuous daydreaming, you can watch his cinematic video for ‘madhouse’ below.

Sounds like: Beach Boys, Oscar Lang, Glass Animals, Rex Orange County, The Last Shadow Puppets

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Hoofa – How Do We Know

Hoofa

Indie duo Hoofa considers the true cost of being a musician in 2020 in new single ‘How Do We Know’. A little more of a slow-burner than their usual ambi-pop take on indie, but this perfectly represents their abilities to consider aptly express real emotions.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Larkins, Sea Girls, PEACE, The Beautiful South, Little Comets

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The Bright Light Social Hour – Ouroborous 20

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

Austin’s premiere psychedelic-rock connoisseurs The Bright Light Social Hour return with their cosmic, uniquely brilliant new single ‘Ouroboros’. It’s a transcendent journey through psychedelic, distorted guitar licks and spaced out vocal parts.

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

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JYLDA – Impulse

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

London-based leftfield alt-pop artist JYLDA shares new single ‘Impulse’. Written about a dark romance, the track rouses in JYLDA’s trademark future-electronica style.

Sounds like: FKA Twigs, Arca, ÄTNA

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Moxley Rey & Jeff Carl – Garden

Moxley Rey

Burgeoning Aussie newcomer Moxley Rey returns with his triumphant sophomore single, a sun-soaked collaboration with Nashville-based alt-pop savant Jeff Carl. A kaleidoscopic cohesion of soothing indietronica, left-of-centre pop and euphoric EDM, it perfectly encapsulates boundless energy perfectly befitting any summer mood.

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Noga Erez – NO news on TV

Noga Erez by Omri Rosengart

Noga Erez by Omri Rosengart

Superstar in the making Noga Erez shares her bright and bubbly new video for ‘NO news on TV’.

Written during the COVID-19 lockdown with her partner Ori Rousso, the slick, eye-opener of a track imagines “what it would be like to live in a world with no politics, money, grit, racism or violence.

Noga further explains,

“I call this song ‘A children’s song for adults’ because it shows a naive, utopian reflection of reality. I just needed to have a song like that. An escape song.”

Sounds like: Harry, M.I.A, Björk, FKA Twigs, Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean

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Blanche – Till We Collide

BLANCHE

Belgium alt-pop starlet Blanche releases her new single, ‘Till We Collide’, taken from her debut album, ‘EMPIRE’, both out now.

The album is a collection of thoughts and feelings, prepared whilst working alongside the best in the business. All the tracks on ‘EMPIRE’ have been written or co-written by Ellie Delvaux, recorded between London and Brussels and co-produced by Rich Cooper (Banks, Mystery Jets, Lucy Rose) and François Gustin (Girls In Hawaii).

So, take some time out, listen and digest the album in order, in one sitting, from start to finish.

Sounds like: Aurora, Elohim, BANK, Rhye, FKA Twigs, Abra, Oscar And The Wolf, Empress Of

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Sour Face – Paradise Ain’t So Cheap

Sour Face - Paradise Ain't So Cheap

Brand new Los Angeles-based duo Sour Face woo us with their new single, ‘Paradise Ain’t So Cheap’.

Packed with intricate twists and turns and the nonconformist attitude of Glass Animals, Sour Face continues to challenge addiction in a song packed full of very real demons.

Sounds like: Glass Animals

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PREP – Pictures Of You

PREP by Meg Meyer

We are excited to share PREP‘s single, ‘Pictures of You’.

A nonchalant nu-disco vibe laced with summery alt-funk and pop, this is something the foursome shine at. They comprise of Grammy-nominated producer Dan Radclyffe (AlunaGeorge, Foxes & Chronixx), French drummer Guillaume Jambel (George Fitzgerald, Odyssey & Kasabian), Welsh keys player Llywelyn Ap Myrddin and London vocalist & frontman Tom Havelock (Snakehips, Celeste, Anna Of The North).

Sounds like: Supertramp, Kaytranada, Mac DeMarco, Thundercat, Chronixx

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Caswell – Distraction

Caswell - Distraction

Soulstress Caswell returns with ‘Distraction’, and it’s just that amidst these tough times.

Her signature sound is rich in vocal intelligence with attractive soul-pop melodies. This time, Caswell shows a more brazen side, as she questions why the rebound is such a taboo topic to talk about.

Sounds like: Låpsley, Skott, Lorde, Charlotte Cardin, Jorja Smith, JONES, Ray BLK, Sigrid, Maggie Rogers

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JYLDA – Jeopardy

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

Quirky and off-kilter is JYLDA‘s musical middle name.

Glitchy jazz chords mixed and soulful vocals represent her mysterious and experimental new single, ‘Jeopardy’ – a homage to risk and produced in collaboration with classical composer Marino Arcaro.

Sounds like: FKA Twigs, Arca

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Alan Finan – The Drive

Alan Finan

Rising Irish folk singer/songwriter Alan Finan shares his new single, ‘The Drive’.

Inspired by a visit to a town in rural Ireland deeply affected by a car accident that had changed the lives of families throughout the town, it’s a track that examines a theme of movement and travel in a simple and evolving manner.

Sounds like: Ben Howard, Talos, James Vincent McMorrow, RY X

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Henry Green – Tide Feat. Andreya Triana

Henry Green

Henry Green shares the delicate new single ‘Tide’, featuring London-based vocalist Andreya Triana.

Another slice of ear candy from the Bristol-based producer, the instrumentally focused track is taken from his upcoming new album, ‘Half Light’, which is now due 3 July via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jadu Heart, Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Flying Lotus, Bonobo, Maribou State

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BODÉ – Wiz Feat. Billy Vena

BODÉ Feat. Billy Vena - WIZ

What happens when some talented artists team up? A song destined for success, that’s what!

Dutch producer Boris Deckers de Breda aka BODÉ release ‘Wiz’ with San Antonio, Texas singer/songwriter Billy Vena – an honest record about being destined for music success, but with the price that comes with it, aka empty pockets.

Sounds like: Gorgon City

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Hoofa – Alone

Hoofa - Alone

Hard working London lads, Hoofa, share their anthemic new single, ‘Alone’.

With comparisons to indie band contemporaries such as Larkins and Sea Girls, as well and lyrical influences from more nostalgic acts such as The Beautiful South and PEACE, this is a perfect slice of jangly pop.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Larkins, Sea Girls, PEACE, The Beautiful South, Little Comets

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Zanski – Consequence

Zanski - Consequence

Toronto vocalist/producer Tom Probizanski – aka Zanski – has an almost emo twist to his electronic take on R&B and alt-pop.

His new single ‘Consequence’ explores the theme of self-acceptance in the face of overwhelming internal struggle, a continual theme throughout his music, which varies in sound from gritty lo-fi electronica to vocal-rich, synth-heavy production, tailored with emotional lyrics and heavy themes.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bearcubs, Jadu Heart, The 1975

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Chaz Cardigan – S.O.S

Chaz Cardigan

Classically trained pianist Chaz Cardigan continues to pair searing self-examination with supremely catchy refrains.

His new single ‘S.O.S’ shows some serious self-awareness, as he acknowledges a tendency to self-sabotage and admits, “I’ve got a way of getting in my way“. Don’t we all!

Sounds like: Harry Styles, Declan McKenna

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Flight to Moonlight – Midnight Feat. Priz

Flight to Moonlight

The moniker of songwriter, singer and producer Adam Baring – Flight To Moonlight returns after a hiatus with a potent blend of genres in the form of his new single ‘Midnight’.

The fearlessly nostalgic track combines genres of disco, pop and electronica.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Chromeo

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CAPPA – There With You Baby

CAPPA

It’s been a minute since sweet talking CAPPA released some new music.

In keeping with CAPPA’s signature feel-good, carefree pop sound, the song chronicles the honeymoon stages of a new relationship where anything could happen and, maybe, love isn’t all that scary.

Sounds like: Lorde, Lana Del Rey, HOLYCHILD, Purity Ring, Washed Out, Say Lou Lou, The Knife, M83, KLOE, Druzy, Taylor Swift, The Knife

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Maida Vorn – Automatic

Maida Vorn

Brighton is an immensly creative place, and the Maida Vorn alter-ego of Mollie Clack is no exception.

Dark electronic at its core, her music is quirky space pop with magical tendencies. Her EP is out now and you can listen to ‘Automatic’ below.

Sounds like: Yonaka, Marina & The Diamonds, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga

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BLANCHE – Fences

BLANCHE

Belgium beauty BLANCHE shares the new atmospheric and analog-led single ‘Fences’.

It’s once again, inventive melancholic pop that, deep down, spreads a positive message. Speaking about the track, BLANCHE explains,

“Fences is this cheesy but forever important message: tear down the fences of rejection, open yourself to the other, accept and respect their differences; try and think with your heart.”

Sounds like: Aurora, Elohim, BANK, Rhye, FKA Twigs, Abra, Oscar And The Wolf

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Alfie Neale – Vices

Alfie Neale

Brighton-based singer/songwriter Alfie Neale shares his latest laid back and soul sweeping single, ‘Vices’.

It’s a song that describes the importance of the little things in life and a support network to help you through the fun times, and the more serious.

Sounds like: Yakul, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei

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JupiterMoon – The Reason

JupiterMoon

Young Midlands-based quartet JupiterMoon is causing a bit of a ruckus.

Their energetic choruses and Asian influenced guitar hooks are written for sweaty, intimate venues. Conjuring up homegrown rock anthems at Blank Studios in Nercastle, their strongest track to date ‘The Reason’ is all the justification you need.

Sounds like: Foals, Blossoms

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A Is For Arrows – Roses

A Is For Arrows

Toronto electro-pop duo A Is For Arrows shares the lush new single, ‘Roses’.

Echoes of heartbreak glistened with a retro glow, this is easy listening electronica at its best. Listen below.

Sounds like: Lights, Jocelyn Alice, Goldroom, RAC, Le Youth, Broods

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Mokita – colorblind

Mokita

Nashville’s John-Luke Carter, aka Mokita, is a singer/songwriter/producer known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop.

Classically trained in piano in his youth, he later taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production. Taking a rewind to his classical routes, Mokita shares an orchestral version of ‘colorblind’ and it’s spellbounding.

Sounds like: Nirob Islam, EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND

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Tsar B – Unpaintable

Tsar B

Effortless and majestic with a highly cinematic yet vulnerable approach, Tsar B‘s single, ‘Unpaintable’, sees her functioning as a one-woman orchestra, songwriter, producer and singer.

An ode to the muddled emotions people that are too intelligent to just live a normal life feel; ‘They are uncatchable. They are unpaintable.”

Sounds like: GRAACE, Billie Eilish, FKA Twigs, ÄTNA

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Seafret – Magnetic

Seafret - Magnetic

The coastal town of Bridlington isn’t the first place in the UK that you think has a buzzing music scene, but we’ve stumbled upon the brilliant Seafret, who have proved us wrong.

Made up of Jack Sedman and Harry Draper, their new single ‘Magnetic’ is an indie-pop anthem at it’s finest – addictive vocal harmonies and commercial riffs, complete with a killer pop chorus

Sounds like: Kodaline, Amber Run, Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi

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Luna Li – Trying

Luna Li - Trying

Luna Li (fka VEINS) shares the brooding new single, ‘Trying’.

A undeniable strong presence in the alt-pop world, Luna Li uses and blends her 14 years of classical piano and violin training with dreamy rock, to create a vulnerable and distorted sound.

Sounds like: Lykki Li, Niki & The Dove, Oh Land, Perfume Genius

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Matt Simons – Cold

Matt Simons

L.A Songwriter Matt Simons shares ‘Cold’ – a powerful piece of electronic pop that blends nostalgia and melancholic sentiment.

Speaking about the track, which has been released in time for any Valentine’s Day pessimist, he explains,

“People change, and change in any relationship is inevitable. The only question is, can the two people change together and adapt? Cold is about a relationship where they did not.”

Sounds like: Ruel, JP Cooper, Zak Abel

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Dräger – New Life

Dräger

An introvert at heart, Dräger creates unabashed synth pop bangers born from a modern heartbreak.

Co-produced by House producer LEFTI, the single ‘New Life’ marks a fresh start for the singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Spencer Draeger, as he uses sounds of the past to channel themes of the modern age, taking a satirical approach to the narcissisms and anxiety illuminated through technology.

Sounds like: New Order, Soft Cell, Holy Ghost!, Dansu, The Cure, White Lies, Cocteau Twins

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Sasha – Ouch!

Sasha

Self-described “tragic” songstress Sasha is speaking a lyrical frankness in her new single, ‘Ouch!’, written about foreseeing being stung in a relationship.

The single blends unique and interesting soundscapes with sweet pop production and has elements of ‘Pure Imagination’ featured in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Tasty.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, VÉRITÉ, Rae Morris, The Japanese House

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Bohnes – Raging On A Sunday

Bohnes

Introducing the new project called Bohnes by Alex DeLeon from the band The Cab.

His new single ‘Raging On A Sunday’ is a frenetic two middle fingers to religion, caught up with an anthemic rock backdrop, glitches of grungy electronica and a retro-inspired, R&B-tipped vocal range.

Get yourself to the mosh pit this Sunday.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Twenty One Pilots

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The Beamish Boys – Don’t Flatter Yourself (Acoustic Version)

The Beamish Boys

The Beamish Boys are two brothers from Australia who combine uplifting songwriting with harmonious elements of folk, pop and soul.

What started out as jamming sessions in their garage soon turned out to working with international artists and labels, and tours.

The acoustic version of ‘Don’t Flatter Yourself’ is a generous nod to the Ed Sheerans and Emma McGraths of this world.

Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Emma McGrath

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Maeve – Eden

Maeve

Caymanian-born, London-based R&B newcomer Maeve shares the striking visuals for her new single ‘Eden’.

Directed by Black Dog Films‘ filmmaker Jade Jackman, choreographed by Liv Lockwood and styled by designer Asai (Dazed 100), the hallucinogenic and bestial video borders between what is real and what is not, conveying a sense of abandonment and isolation found in a toxic relationship.

The song is taken from her debut EP ‘Beasts’, out now.

Sounds like: AuRa, The 1975, FKA Twigs, Daughter

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Katy Tiz – Life Feat. Ed Drewett

Katy Tiz

Katy Tiz has teamed up with esteemed songwriter Ed Drewett on new single, ‘Life’, which has a Bonnie & Clyde context.

Recorded whilst suffering with laryngitis, this is a testament to Katy Tiz’s determination, and the result is a raw and enchanting song that is upfront and honest.

Sounds like: Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor, Aly & AJ, Bonnie McKee

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Golden Vessel – MOONSTONE Feat. Elkkle & Akurei

Golden Vessel

Golden Vessel (aka Max Byrne) returns with ‘Moonstone’, featuring friends Elkkle and Akurei.

The upbeat track once again incorporates Byrne’s signature cross-genre style, and futuristic production.

‘Moonstone’ is inspired by the historical investigation of missing moon rocks from NASA trips into space on Apollo 11. Legend has it that the specimens once brought back to earth in 1969 were distributed across the world in the famous Goodwill Moon Rocks initiative, only to, nearly 30 years later, have mostly vanished or become untraceable.

Sounds like: MØ, Brolin, The National, Gang of Youths, Bon Iver, Alex Vargas, TENDER, Kanyon, REFS

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Lincoln Jesser – Undone

Lincoln Jesser - Undone

American producer Lincoln Jesser produces indie synth-pop with sky-high aspirations.

Growing up at school, Jesser would often play in jazz sessions during the breaks, but it wasn’t until he listened to The Strokes that his passion for music was spiked.

Moving slowly into the electronic realms of production brings us to Jesser’s release today, called ‘Undone’, which you can listen to below:

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Joe Goddard, Goldroom

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