Returning from their sold-out US & Canadian tour, German duo MilkyChance share their brand new single ‘Synchronize’.
The nostalgic indie-dance number takes us back to better times and the video exudes joy, to match. It’s out now through their independent label MuggeligRecords.
Sounds like: Will Heard, KYKO, Paul Simon, Jagwar Ma
Queer artist 36Birds wants us to fall in love with rave again, and his new single ‘BOY’ does just that.
Interpolating Underworld’s iconic ‘Born Slippy’ and underscoring it with a tough kickdrum while also referencing Bronski Beat’s ‘Hit That Perfect Beat’, his vocals, seduced in autotune, fuse heart-on-sleeve R&B with rave. In a bid to give something back, 36birds wanted his fans to receive it as a free download, which you can get below.
24 year-old Manchester rock chic PhoebeGreen releases ‘Make It Easy’ on Chess Club Records. Bang on trend, Green is establishing herself as one of the UK’s leading contemporary lyricists.
The video, directed by LillieEiger, showcases the lighthearted theme behind the song, and lends more towards darker electronic pop than previous guitar heavy endeavours from Green.
If you’re looking for some fresh, sun-kissed lo-fi vibes, you’re in the right place.
‘Caroline’, brand-new single from Belgian outfit Great Mountain Fire is a colourful and refreshing indie-pop gem. The murmured singing of Thomas de Hemptinne, languid and nostalgic, unfolds quietly on a neutral and straight tempo that invites waking dreams and urban wandering.
There’s a curious story behind the song. Caroline, in fact, is a well-known, almost legendary figure of the streets of Brussels, an allegorical figure of the city, free, happy and sad at the same time.
‘Caroline’ is taken from Great Mountain Fire’s ‘Movements‘ LP – which will be released later this year.
The multi-faceted talents create infectious, experimental pop in their basements studio in a London warehouse. They also run their own underground audiovisual club nights, as well as producing and remixing for other artists.
Scottish-born Keir Gibson releases his debut track ‘Eyes Wide’.
Despite being brought up on a dose of Scottish music, the 18 year old’s sound borders the electronic, pop and folk realms in an alt-pop fusion.
‘Mixed & mastered by Grammy-nominated mixer Matty Green and Grammy award-winning mastering engineer Joe LaPorta, ‘Eyes Wide’ showcases what’s more to come from the talented singer/songwriter.
Sounds like: James Arthur, Maggie Rogers, Julia Michaels, Lauv
Indie pop duo Apollo LTD share the sway-inducing visuals for ‘Man That I Used To Know’.
Much like their last single, ‘Misfits‘, this one is incredibly easy listening with its smooth production skills, twinkling synths, and luscious vocals.
Australian artist cln shares his downtempo new single ‘Change My Mind’.
Whilst the track’s production appears minimalistic in it’s electronic approach, there is a dark undertone of R&B that lingers throughtout the song in a contemplative manner.
Zanski is the electro-R&B project of Tom Probizanski.
With a sound captivating and emotive, Zanski’s sound is refreshing, yet relevant. His new single ‘Smoke In My Lungs’ echoes of the wonderous Ben Khan in it’s distinctive groovy sound.
Napoleon Gold – Love Don’t Cut Me Down (feat. Haiva Ru)
French-born Antoine Honorez aka Napoleon Gold returns with his latest single ‘Love Don’t Cut Me Down’ featuring the vocals of Haiva Ru’s Allie Merril.
The track can be compared to an 80’s Fleetwood Mac song that’s been given an electronic boogie re-skin.
Speaking of the unique late-night feel of his music, Napoleon credits his life-long struggle with insomnia, “During my first year in Brussels for university, my insomnia became more and more frequent. I remember staying awake night after night, making music, watching the sunrise from my music desk – it had this beautiful orange and golden colour, I knew seeing this colour meant I had once again failed to sleep, but it also symbolised a new day, a new beginning. I decided to name that colour ‘Napoleon Gold'”.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Chela, RAC, Le Youth, JackLNDN
Grammy-Award nominated producer and vocalist, and Mura Masa collaborator, Tom Tripp returns with his latest single ‘TAM’, the first release off his forthcoming project ‘FLAG’.
The electro-laced funk track started life back in 2016, undergoing various iterations on Tom’s Laptop until a session with Grades earlier this year led to a final version that the self-proclaimed perfectionist was finally happy to share with the world.
Exciting London-based singer Thailah shares the banger, ‘Feels Right’.
Ramping up the BPM, her fourth ever release, has been produced by the up and coming producer J.AR.K. to create a track that will work equally well in the car as in the club.
Brooklyn based duo, Tropic (aka electronic producer & DJ, Phuse, and R&B singer/songwriter Jo-B Sebastian) shares their breezy new tune ‘Lights Out’.
With delicate falsetto vocals that energetically loop around syncopated beats, the track explores the regret and denial that comes after a breakup in both nostalgic and futuristic manner.
Nashville-based alternative pop act, Daniella Mason, is back with a dreamy new visual that continues her ‘Mental State’ EP and ‘State of Mine’ sound series in which she aims to explore different parts of our humanity.
With her latest music video release – shot and edited by Dylan Reyes – Mason aimed to create a dream sequence that visualises the feeling of wandering throughout her mind and expands on its aimlessness.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, George Gretton, Luna Pines
HOAX is an indie pop-rock outfit from Queens, New York, comprised of Michael Raj and Frantz Cesar.
With a sound that is familiar to UK-based indie rock from the naughties, their modern vintage vibe captures, in their own words, “the beautiful sound of sadness”.
Listen to ‘Could’, the first single off their debut album, ‘b?’.
Swedish singer/songwriter, Emma Elisabeth gets nerdy in her new single, ‘Cavalry’.
With a classic band set up, the lush unfurling folk track captures stiring indie rock riffs and delicate vocals, all whilst giving a gentle nod to folk-rock kings’n’queens of the 70’s.
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Lucy Rose, Laurel, First Aid Kit, Susanne Sundfør, Sunflower Bean, The Japanese House, Jakob Ogawa, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young
British five-piece, Ten Fé have announced their second album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’. It’s due for release on 8 March 2019 via Some Kinda Love/PIAS and is a ambiguous album full of pessimistic and optimistic traits.
We caught up with guys.
1. Describe your sound in three words.
Deep Soul Brothers.
2. How did you all meet?
Leo and I met at a party in North London, began writing and recording together and formed the band. Then Rob and Johnny joined as they were old school friends of Leo’s from Birmingham. When we were looking for a drummer, we were put in touch with Palex by a producer friend of ours, tapped him up, and first time he laid down that sexy Hammond shuffle we knew he was our man.
3. We can’t believe Ten Fé is gearing up to release a second album. Tell us about the process of creating ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ and how it differs from your first album?
Yes, we can’t quite believe it either. We thought it would only take a few weeks, but we only finished about month ago.
We began recording in Oslo late last year with a guy called Christian Sprengfelt in his studio there, which was completely run on vintage music gear, and band equipment. It was the first time we’d gone into record as a five piece rather than just as a duo, and we’d had Fleetwood Mac, War on Drugs and the like on heavy rotation, so we were going for a classic ‘band’ sound, dynamic, but also lean, tight and pop.
4. What was it like working with Luke Smith?
We came to Luke when we were already someway down the line with the recordings. It was great because we knew him already from some of those early Fé singles we did together, he was able to get his head into the music straight away, and had strong ideas for how to take the songs forward. It was a really productive few weeks we spent with him in May, just as the summer was beginning, the sun pouring in to the studio all through the afternoon, vibing on the tunes, and just hanging with him was wicked.
5. You are going on a world tour next year. Where are you most excited about visiting?
Excited about all of it. Lots of new places we’ve never been to before both here, in Europe and the States. We’ve got a few dates in the U.S. driving through the south west, places like Denver, and Phoenix, I’m sure no one is looking forward to those drives more than our bass player Rob, who will surely be at the helm.
6. We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to
I’ve been listening to Amen Dunes record for a while now, his grooves, and his songwriting is deep. Westerman – is another recent favourite, from London, well worth checking out. We went to see a guy called Honey Harper play during the summer, he is a country singer from Atlanta but based here in London, very soulful, he will be supporting us out our next London show on the 15thNovember – one more reason to come down.
Sounds like: Bruce Springsteen, Night Drive, The Rapture, Jagwar Ma, CliffLight, War on Drugs, The Cure, Fleetwood Mac
Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.
Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”
One of these results is ‘Faster’, which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.
We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.
His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier
Futuristic pop duo MoreGiraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.
Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.
On the subject of the song, he explains,
“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”
Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd
Danish dream pop duo Slowes have released their new single, ‘Tell Me Why’, a song about discovering a lying lover.
Much like their previous material, ‘Tell Me Why’ reflects in a melancholic hopeful kind of way, and is led by a strong hook, perfectly amalgamating alternative pop sounds with chillwave.
Sounds like: Fleetwood Mac, Future Islands, Sundara Karma, Tame Impala, Day Wave, Jo Marches, Liss, Mew
Greek artist, Σtella has just released her highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Works For You’.
To celebrate, Σtella has put together a playlist for us. Enjoy!
Moscoman, Manfredas – Dévoué (Manfredas Remix) First time I heard this song I kinda felt like I was tripping, in a good way. I’m happy to have shared the stage with Moscoman once.
Arthur Russell – Springfield Arthur Russell will always remain a mystery to me. It ‘s music from outer space in a way.
Yello – Oh Yeah Really don’t know how to comment on this. Just a good listen and a place for phantasies.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love “She don’t want to be a man or a woman”. Good for her.
Grace Jones – Pull Up To The Bumper I love this song so much. It explodes in my head every time.
Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
This track takes me back in time, it’s got that heart ache feeling you just can’t miss.
KAYTRANADA – BREAKDANCE LESSON N.1 A DJ and a good friend of mine introduced me to this song by Kaytranada, and now I play it whenever I wanna shake my head a little.
Red Axes, Abrão – Balma (feat. Abrão) Loving Red Axes this year, they did a show In Athens last month. Good boys.
Jean-Jacques Perrey – Cat In The Night I sadly found out about Jean Jacques Perrey the day he died, late 2016. This man was a genius and is really worthy to listen to pretty much everything he’s done.
Toro y Moi – Lilly “This place is up for grabs, I give it to you for free”, that line was stuck in my head for a long time. Really good sound.
Fleetwood Mac – Never Going Back Again – Remastered The album “Rumours” has been one of my favorite albums ever, but just recently I gave a lot of attention to this track in the album. How sweet.
LA Priest – Lorry Park
LA Priest hit me in the stomach at around 0:50 with that beat, oh man, thanks.
Alan Hawkshaw – Beach Journey Super fine tune by Mr Alan Hawkshaw. This track takes me places I didn’t know existed.
Vulfpeck – Back Pocket
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo to Volfpeck for this massive funky smart track.
‘Works For You’ is out now via Inner Ear Records and is seriously good. Listen to ‘Way To Go’ below.
Sounds like: Kaleida, Annie Lennox, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Cash+David, Christine & The Queens
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
80’s music lover, RALPH, is questioning whether there is ‘Something More’ in her new track, asking whether the grass is always greener?
“‘Something More’ was inspired by Aziz Ansari’s Netflix show ‘Master of None’,” explains RALPH, continuing “The show honestly narrates the existential issues faced by young adults now. Consumed with social media and dating apps, we’re obsessed with the idea of something more or someone better, often leading us to sabotage the good things we have.”
