Tag Archives: Francis and the Lights

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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Playlist: Phil Good

Phil Good

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Phil Good has unveiled an official remix of his latest single ‘Everything’s Good’ from DJ and producer Slow Magic.

He’s kindly taken time out of his busy schedule and put together an ace playlist, which you can listen to below.

Charli XCX, BJ Burton – 7 years
I’ve been falling hard for Charli’s music in the last few years. It’s so aggressively pop and so aggressively experimental, and I feel like no one can do it like she does. This song blows my mind.

Sylvan Esso – Ferris Wheel
Sylvan Esso is one of my favorite bands. I loved their last record “what now?” and was so excited to hear this song “Ferris Wheel” as their first single off the upcoming album. its everything I love about them wrapped into 2:58.

Deaton Chris Anthony – I love all my friends
This song gives me Francis and the Lights vibes but in such a cool and youthful way. I think Deaton Chris Anthony is such a creative force and I love this song.

Flume, Toro Y Moi – The Difference
This song makes me feel all of my feelings and memories from this life and my past 236 lives combined. Something about the sounds and Toro’s voice just gets me goin’.

Phil Good – Everything’s Good (Slow Magic Remix)
This is my song remixed by Slow Magic. I love how he took the previously upbeat and guitar-driven song to a totally new world. makes it a bit sadder and I love me a sad song.

Dijon – rock n roll
I’ve never heard anything like this before and every time I listen there’s something new and fresh for me to discover. The guitar is amazing and his vocals melt my soul.

Toro Y Moi – Who I Am
This is one of my favs on Toro’s latest album “Outer Peace”. I love that this song is so upbeat and simple but the closer you listen to it, the more that gets revealed. It makes me want to party.

Caribou – like I loved you
Another sad bop with the craziest production. I love the synthesized bass/guitar sound and the drums hit harder than a 20-foot bong.

Jim-E Stack, Empress Of – Note To Self
I found Jim-E Stack less than a year ago and then proceeded to listen to his whole discography non-stop for a few weeks. This song embodies everything I love about his production and sound. Makes me feel like going on a road trip.

The 1975 – I Like America & America Likes Me
I love The 1975. I didn’t really care for this song when listening to their album “a brief inquiry..” the first few times, but then I saw them play this live and watched him scream his soul into autotune and it made me cry. Now this song is one of my all-time favs.

Sounds like: Honne, Joseph Salvat, Miike Snow, Glass Animals, Joywave, Just Kiddin’, San Holo

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BLAKEY – Prism of Love

BLAKEY

Emerging London-based artist, BLAKEY, shares the simple but effective video for ‘Prism Of Love’.

The track is sparse at its core – a seesaw between BLAKEY’s velveteen falsetto/baritone interludes that melt alongside a graceful instrumental.

Opening up about ‘Prism Of Love’, Blakey states,

“It’s a very direct song. I put my most authentic and honest feelings to music. Sometimes I think it’s important to cut through all the bullshit and present exactly how you’re feeling, and not filter yourself for anything or anyone. It’s not vulnerability; it’s liberation.”

Sounds like: Francis and the Lights, Bon Iver, Coldplay

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Weekly SubmitHub Features 10

JOHN.K – OT

John.K - OT

We all have to do it. Work overtime. But what if it wasn’t a bummer, but something you wanted to do?

JOHN.K takes a different approach. ‘OT’ is an Autumnal track that is about spending that one extra day with your far away friend.

Sounds like: Sam Smith, Justin Bieber

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REGN – WATR

REGN - WATR

Who is REGN? We’re glad you ask.

REGN (pronounced Reagan) is a Los Angeles-based songstress who has just dropped her latest single, ‘WATR’.

Co-written with Robokid, the song has delicate Nordic-inspired vocals chopped into a romantic format.

It’s out now via Moving Castle.

Sounds like: Dagny, Sigrid

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Martin Luke Brown – Opalite

Martin Luke Brown by Bjorn Franklin

Londoner Martin Luke Brown has seemingly come out of nowhere with a banger of a indie pop track called ‘Opalite’ and he means business!

Speaking of the song, MLB says,

“Opalite as a song began with this hypnotic little drum loop and the words just came out. I write placeholder lyrics all the time and then chip away at them until they’re complete but I pretty much stuck with what rolled on Opalite. It just felt right. It’s about finding hope in something and not wanting to let itgo. Whether you find that hope in superstition or religion or love. Whatever really.”

MLB plays London’s Servant Jazz Quarters tonight and ‘Opalite’ is out now via LAB Records.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Will Joseph Cook, Dua Lipa, Kyko, Sody, Dan Croll

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courtship. – Tell Me Tell Me

courtship. - Tell Me Tell Me

Well, it’s very sad that summer is over for us here in the UK, but keeping the feeling very much alive is electro pop duo courtship..

They’ve just released their new single, ‘Tell Me Tell Me’, a declaration to not hold emotions back, especially when it comes to those love feelings!

Sounds like: Cut Copy, Van She, Summer Heart, Jagwar Ma, Two Door Cinema Club, MGMT, Passion Pit

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Donkeyboy – Kaleidoscope

Donkeyboy

Goosebumps galore with the new track by Norwegian trio, Donkeyboy.

Driving analogue synths predominate the song, followed by sky-high vocals and a massive chorus. Listen below.

Sounds like: Pnau, Mew, LANY, The 1975

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Sasha – Skin Deep

Sasha

London-based Sasha shares ‘Skin Deep’.

Equally as soft on the electronic side of things as the beautiful ‘Picking Flowers‘, ‘Skin Deep’ is a contemplative track about ways to get over a lover through emotionless actions.

‘Skin Deep’ is out now via Lemon Zen Records.

Sounds like: Lucy Rose, Daughter, Maggie Rogers, The Japanese House, Bon Iver, Fenne Lily

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Loud Forest – Wake Up
Loud Forest - Wake Up

California couple Loud Forest are a force to be reckoned with.

Their new single ‘Wake Up’ is about loving an independent person, who is always slightly out of reach, making it all seem like a dream.

Sounds like: Arcade Fire

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Tailor – Blame

Tailor - Blame

Birmingham-born singer/songwriter Tailor has already written for the likes of , TĀLĀ, Huntar, FTSE and Peking Duk, and his own solo material is pretty decent too.

Bordering on alt-pop and electronic music, Tailor has a knack of discussing both sides of the story. His most recent release is a double-A side single called ‘Disillusion / Blame’.

Whilst ‘Disillusion’ is more upbeat in production, ‘Blame’ is about taking the hit in a relationship to benefit the unit as a whole.

Sounds like: Chet Faker, Francis and The Lights, Toro Y Moi, Lauv, Huntar, Sam Smith

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Weekly Submithub Gems 6

LCAW – Staring at the Sun

LCAW

LCAW (aka 22 year old Leon Weber) is sharing an interesting message in his new track ‘Staring at the Sun’, which features the lush vocal tones of New York City-based singer/songwriter, Sophie Hintze.

LCAW says,

“‘Staring At The Sun’ has a clear message – If you feel trapped in a place or a situation you need to break free, pack up your things and just go. The Sun is quite symbolic in this picture, on the one hand it stands for hope, a better future, adventure; and on the other hand it is a burden. Staring directly at the sun for too long blinds you, leaving you on a path without navigation. The lyrics embrace a loss of direction. Hypnotised by yellow lines, moving faster than the speed of light, renegades without a plan. In the end it’ll be worth it.”

It’s out now via Ultra Records / Columbia Records.

Sounds like: Claire Ridgley, Lorde

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Magdalena Bay – Move Slow

Magdalena Bay - Move Slow

Magdalena Bay is a duo comprised of Mica Tenenbaum (Singer/Songwriter) and Matthew Lewin (Songwriter/Producer).

Kylie-esq pop melodies combine with modern disco-infused guitar riffs create a song that will make you up your game on the dance floor.

Sounds like: Kylie, Robyn, Tame Impala, Miami Horror

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Cassia – Sink

Cassia by Niall Lea

Manchester indie band Cassia share the uplifting ‘Sink’.

Despite shows at Reading and Leeds Festivals, the trio’s agenda is to make their fans dance and not mosh, and it’s quite understandable that this would happen with their calypso-infused offerings.

The new song will form part of the band’s debut EP ‘Movers & Shapers’ which is due out later this year.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Jake Bugg

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Derrival – Ice Cream

Derrival

Vancouver-based five-piece Derrival share new track ‘Ice Cream’.

Despite the two year hiatus, the band are very much up to facing the challenges thrown at them from the music industry.

Sounds like: Youngr, Young the Giant

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Temptress – What I Want

Temptress - What I Want

South London duo Temptress have just dropped the awesome ‘What I Want’, which has been produced by Chris Zane (Passion Pit, Friendly Fires, Holy Ghost!)

It very much has a nu-disco vibe throughout, which works well with Jess’ soulful vocals and the retro basslines.

Sounds like: Pat Lok, Goldroom, Jessie Ware

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Simon Zion – Ego Avenue

Simon Zion - Ego Avenue

Swedish artist, Simon Zion is determined to make it this year, despite exploring his faults in new single, ‘Ego Avenue’.

Just about enough retro guitar riffs and not too heavy on the auto tune, ‘Ego Avenue’ is a strong debut that immediately draws comparisons to Bon Iver and Francis and The Lights.

Sounds like: Chet Faker, Bon Iver, Francis and The Lights, Jack Garratt, Prince, Paul Simon

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Playlist: Foreign Air

Foreign Air by Luke Adams

Foreign Air by Luke Adams

Foreign Air are indietronica duo, Jacob Michael and Jesse Clasen.

The boys put together a pretty epic playlist for us, to celebrate the release of their EP, ‘For The Light’.

ANOHNI – Drone Bomb Me

She is fearless on a microphone.

Cashmere Cat / The Weekend / Francis and the Lights – Wild Love

Love the collaboration element of different styles on this track.

Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Ghosts & Pains

A band favorite before every show.

Snakehips – Money on Me ft. Anderson.Paak

This is constantly stuck in my head. Running around the city, this is the anthem.

Moses Sumney – Lonely World

A whole lot of music going on here.

Okay-Kaya – Damn, Gravity

Watch the video and fall!

NAO – Inhale-Exhale

That voice!!! The future queen of R&B ?

Bon Iver – 22 (OVER S∞∞N) (Bob Moose Extended Cab Version)

An artist in his prime.

Lewis Del Mar – Puerto Cabezas, NI

The heaviest pen in indie rock right now.

Buscabulla – Sono

All the posi latin psych vibes you need to get you up and going in the morning. produced by Dev Hynes.

‘For The Light’ is out now.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Gryffin, Friendly Fires, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Temper Trap, Two Another, One Republic

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LOYAL – House For You

LOYAL

LOYAL

Signed to the Good Years label (Banks, Francis and the Lights, Mick Jenkins, and Lil Silva), three-piece, LOYAL, are back with their second track, ‘House For You’.

It’s a simple layout – continual vocals over lightly-touched piano interruptions with atmospheric, house tinged production – that effortlessly builds up into a masterpiece of a track.

One’s to watch for 2016!

Sounds like: Foals, Boxed In, Gryffin, Fairchild, Retro Culture, Angus Dawson

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