Tag Archives: Frank Ocean

Noga Erez – NO news on TV

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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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Cal Maro – Juliet

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Cal Maro

Brooklyn-bred creator Cal Maro takes inspiration from Baz Luhrman’s Romeo + Juliet in new single.

A self-taught guitarist from a young age, Cal grew up experimenting with his sound whilst playing in many bands, dabbling in hardcore, rock, folk and indie before finally stepping into his true love for groove and melody, namely soul and R&B. In 2015, he began developing his Cal Maro project.

‘Juliet’ has plenty of sliced up electronic vocal effects as it weaves between genres, whilst beating percussion and pulsating synths bring darkness to the moody track.

Sounds like: D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, James Blake

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Weekly Gems 113

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Asha Gold – Passenger

Asha Gold

Classically trained London-based Asha Gold releases her new single ‘Passenger’, one of the first songs she ever wrote during her travels in Europe.

It’s a freedom inspiring release, full of escapism, as Asha keeps on travelling forward in a bid to grow as an individual.

Sounds like: Nakala, Frank Ocean

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The Endorphins – Parachute

The Endorphines

Stockholm siblings The Endorphins shares ‘Parachute’.

A more soulful change in direction to their previous single, ‘Dead or Alive‘, the ’90s inspired R&B breaker was written about intensely falling head over heals for someone.

Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet, Caswell

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Junípero – Want To

Junípero

Continuing their quest to musicalise experiences and connect deepest desires, Mexican duo Junípero shares ‘Want To’.

Mixing dream-like melodies in a way that play with every sense, the well balanced folktronica-styled track is both multi-dimensional and atmospheric.

Sounds like: Beach House, Explosions In the Sky, Mogwai, Band of Horses

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Maude Latour – Furniture

Maude Latour

New York City-based Maude Latour‘s bubbly new single ‘Furniture’ is unapologetic as ever.

Written at the lowest point of a breakup, the song oozes bravery with an ounce of playfulness. This is her joyous breakup song, that she now shares with the world!

Sounds like: Caro, Chloe Lilac, Claud

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Urchin – Break In

Urchin

London-based jazz turned indie musician Urchin (aka Leo Appleyard) shares ‘Break In’, taken from his ‘Night Light’ EP.

Making his vocal debut on the left of the centre track, it features gorgeous, heavy vocal melodies that pick up some plucky UK-influenced electronica.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

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TALU – Take You Home

Talu

Local Crawley band TALU share their new single ‘Take You Home’.

Recording the drums in a warehouse and everything else in their living room and kitchen, the band captures the joy in everyday moments, offering a delightful slither of nostalgia that you’d desire from a modern day indie-pop band.

Sounds like: The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Sea Girls, Bombay Bicycle Club, Hoofa

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Alice MC – My Love

Alice MC

South London’s Alice MC shares her new single ‘My Love’, taken from her debut EP, ‘Storyteller’.

Despite her music fitting best within the jazz, soul and folk genres, Alice MC started by studying Opera at the Guildhall School. She soon realised her destiny was within the jazz worlds.

Sounds like: Laura Marling, PJ Harvey, Lianne La Havas, Beyoncé, Kate Bush

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Weekly Gems 107

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Alara – Demons

Alara

Accomplished singer Alara shares the beautiful, ‘Demons’, a perfect antidote to current times.

Despite being heavily influenced by the power of Grimes, Alara’s music is also soft and hazy, with a soul-healing quality. Her new single is about finding solace in the idea that everyone is going through something, and we’re not so different after all.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Skott, Ryn Weaver

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Chris Wills – Pyro

Chris Wills - Pyro

Los Angeles-based artist Chris Wills shares the addictive ‘Pyro’.

Finally in a place to accept himself, Wills decided to write music and just give it a go. The result is a quirky inner reflective track, which he uses to find the answers he’s been craving.

Sounds like: Myylo, Michael Medrano

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GRAE – Slow Down

GRAE - Slow Down

Introducing Toronto artist GRAE.

Delivering powerful and mystical R&B leaning pop, her new single ‘Slow Down’ touches on the topic of feminism and empowerment, and considers the topic of women finding difficulty in expressing their wants and desires.

Sounds like: RALPH, Willa, ASHS, Louise Burns

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Mt. Wolf – Tayrona

Mt. Wolf

After a long hiatus, dream pop band Mt. Wolf returns with their misty new single ‘Tayrona’ featuring Tamsin Wilson from Wilsen.

This is the first single from a forthcoming collaborative project, to be released via Akira Records, and is complete with hazy, layered soundscapes that ebb and flow into a folktronica masterpiece.

Sounds like: Daughter, Phoria, Still Parade, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Active Child, Bon Iver

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Ernest – Never Leaving

Ernest - Never Leaving

Despite the inflicted isolation, Copenhagen-based Ernest keeps us moving with their smooth and funk-tinged single, ‘Never Leaving’.

A story conjured up following the band’s encounter with a beautiful cashier during a recent visit to the supermarket, the guys manage to dig up and present big emotions from everyday situations.

Sounds like: Liss, School of X, Frank Ocean, SILQUE

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Aaron Smith – Brother

Aaron Smith

Scottish singer/songwriter Aaron Smith shares his new single ‘Brother’, which touches on the topic of addiction.

A subject close to his heart, this release once again penetrates to the core of your emotions, fuled by experiences of both love and trauma.

Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Ed Prosek, Amber Run, Novo Amor, Talos

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Love You Later – Blindfolded

Love You Later

Love You Later is the brainchild of US-based 21-year-old singer/songwriter Lexi Aviles.

‘Blindfolded’, the final song on her latest EP, ‘Heaven Is Without You’, is the perfect crescendo to the lush and dreamy collection of songs, and pushes for self-realisation and liberation after shedding old skin from a recent breakup.

Sounds like: Imogen Heap, Broods, The Japanese House

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Syd Silvair – The Moth

Syd Silvair - The Moth

Syd Silvair is endlessly inspired by the rich visual narratives of the deck, and the ways in which their divine messages manifest in our physical realm.

Using The Magician tarot card as her guide, her single ‘Moth’ encourages to reclaim the power on your own terms, and is equally as fierce in its presentation.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Harry, Stevie Nicks

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Raven Artson – Notice Me

Raven Artson

Ever-evolving LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Raven Artson releases his single, ‘Notice Me’.

It’s a lofty not-so-classic love song that takes an otherworldly opinion with eerily sweet vocals and piano-led composition.

Sounds like: How To Dress Well, ANOHNI

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OCTAVIO – Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)

OCTAVIO

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Octavio Herrera aka OCTAVIO is a 19-year-old artist making a unique concoction of hip-hop and indie music.

Whilst in his new song ‘Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)’, there are plenty of reasons to be feeling glum at this moment in time (and he’s by no means alone), we should join Octavio in celebrating his past year.

Sounds like: Rex Orange County, Mac Demarco

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Jillian Steele – New Orleans

Jillian Steele - New Orleans

Nashville-based pop artist Jillian Steele‘s new single is written about unexpectedly falling in love in New Orleans.

But this isn’t her first crush, Steele has been performing from a young age, having formed an early love for performing, including singing and acting in commercials. Listen below.

Sounds like: Savannah Sgro, Violet Skies, Charlotte Sands

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Weekly Gems 94

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ÄTNA – Come To Me

ÄTNA

German-based duo ÄTNA is raising pulses in their new video for ‘Come To Me’.

Retro and futuristically avant-garde at once, ÄTNA is creating their own work of art in a musical world, frequently pushing boundaries and playing with gender roles.

The visuals for ‘Come To Me’ feature a notable number of transport methods, as Demian attempts to reach confident singer Inéz in his last attempt to make an effort in their relationship before disappearing once and for all.

You can pre-order the album, ‘Made By Desire’ here.

Sounds like: Grimes, Fever Ray, Vök, Kllo, Daughter

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REECE – China Blue

REECE

After a move out of Los Angeles and a bit of a health kick, REECE comes back stronger with ‘China Blue’.

The track is about Reece’s self-reflection following a breakup, where he has some toxic traits that also need to be worked on.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean, ANDRO, Sam Smith

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YAS – Caroline

YAS - Caroline

Classically trained violinist-vocalist, songwriter, composer and producer YAS releases her stripped back and ethereal track, ‘Caroline’.

Further combining pop-electronic sounds with hints of contemporary R&B, the result is an intimately atmospheric song.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Banks

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Salt Cathedral – CAVIAR

Salt Cathedral - CAVIAR

Salt Cathedral asks for the simple pleasures in ‘CAVIAR’.

An impassioned rejection of materialism in relationships and a celebration of the liberation that comes with it, the track combines warm rhythms with icy vocal undertones.

Salt Cathedral is the duo of Nico and Juli, genre-defying artists who effortlessly draw from the vanguard of electronic music, a scope of Caribbean rhythms, and Colombian dance culture to create an infectious sound that transcends borders. Expect their debut album to be released in 2020 on Ultra.

Sounds like: Aurora

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Asha Gold – Too Good

Asha Gold

West London-based Asha Gold sticks to her guns against the sceptics in her beat-led new single, ‘Too Good’.

After battling with the pressures and opinions of those close to her, who, at the time, were persuading her to persue more “practical” endeavours than music, Asha took to her bedroom where she recorded a voice note of the pre-chorus and chorus for ‘Too Good’. The next day, Asha finished up the song in around ten minutes on the piano; this being all the reassurance she needed to stay on track with her music career.

Sounds like: Nakala, Frank Ocean

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Weekly Gems 84

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REECE – Last Time

REECE

REECE shares the heartbreaking song, ‘Last Time’.

REECE’s voice is both chilling and poetic, as he contemplates finding the strength to walk away when a relationship turns sour. Listen below.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean

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Eloise Viola – Wait In Line

Eloise Viola

London singer-songwriter Eloise Viola refuses to be second best in her new single, ‘Wait In Line’.

With another energetic pop anthem, Viola is both vocally and lyrically on point, and with a positive message promoting body positivity and self-love, what’s not to love?

Sounds like: Anne Marie, Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson

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KYRI – Sanctuary

KYRI

In a love letter to mother nature, London-based KYRI bares all in his new single, ‘Sanctuary’.

Using his voice for good, KYRI explores themes of rebirth, nature, spirituality and the deepest corners of our humanity with his music, heavily influenced from his childhood of Greek Orthodox churches, gospel choirs & forests, through to London’s intoxicating LGBTQ+ club culture.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Rosie Lowe, Gallant, Birdy, James Blake

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Danny George – Sincerity

Danny George

Producer-turned-solo artist Danny George shares highly accessible new track, ‘Sincerity’

Now residing in Berlin, George has gained a new perspective and musical inspiration, translating into music that has soul and electronica with hints of R&B and indie.

His first full EP ‘Crushed Comfort’ will drop early next year.

Sounds like: Ayelle, Malory, Latir, Lolé

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Akurei – Quarter Tank Full

Akurei

Alt-pop artist Akurei shares ‘Quarter Tank Full’, taken from his sophomore EP, ‘September’.

Minimalistic beats surround smooth R&B electronic, as Akurei dissects the quarter life crisis he had last year.

Sounds like: LA Bouquet, LANY, The 1975

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BENJII – I Won’t Die For You

BENJII

Introducing Vancouver-based singer/songwriter and guitarist BENJII – aka Benji Klassen.

His new single, ‘I Won’t Die For You’ is a moody alt-pop track driven by rock-tinged vocals and textual guitar riffs, and as refreshing as the BC mountain dew.

Sounds like: John Mayer

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Chloe Lilac – Special

Chloe Lilac - Special

Brooklyn-based bedtime producer Chloe Lilac shares her fun new pop single, ‘Special’.

Within the last year, Chloe has gone from sheer obscurity self-producing songs in her bedroom to signing with RCA, releasing a debut EP, and now has a 2nd EP in the pipeline. No mean feat.

Sounds like: Charlotte Lawrence, Sasha Sloan, Tessa Violet

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OTR – Drive ft. Panama

OTR

Aerospace engineer-turned-producer, OTR returns with the brilliant new single ‘Drive, featuring Sydney-based synthpop standout, Panama.

Changing the tempo up a litte, the duo have successfully built a world containing movement and sound, with a tinge of vulnerability.

‘Drive’ is out now via Astralwerks.

Sounds like: Kasbo, Shallou, Hotel Garuda, Gryffin, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Porter Robinson

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Playlist: Bishop Ivy

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Bishop Ivy

Bishop Ivy is the diverse and cinematic solo project of Ivy ( real name: Cam Crowley), that takes cues from a broad range of mainstream sounds, pulling together elements of alternative pop, rock, trap, and electronica.

Inspired by a life-changing move from Massachusetts to Texas while Ivy was still in high school, the ‘All Things Temporary’ EP roots itself in songs about change, innocence, and angst, exploring familiar themes from unfamiliar angles.

He’s put together a playlist for Indietronica, exploring these themes. Take a listen below.

Mitski – Nobody

I was introduced to Mitski by her Tiny Desk Concert—a stripped-down acoustic set filmed in the office of NPR—and was blown away by the control she has over her voice. Her singing is meticulous and gentle, especially in the verses of Nobody. I also love the piano chords and chaotic ending this builds to.

Clairo – Bags

I loved this change in sound coming from Clairo. Her songwriting pairs well with the more acoustic and indie instrumentation here. The manipulated and/or tuned pianos and guitars are gorgeous.

Snail Mail – Pristine

Snail Mail’s melodies and jangly guitar chords create the perfect shade of melancholy that I love to try to tackle in my own writing. I thought the way my friend Névé put it was fitting: “It’s like you just balled your eyes out, but now you’re done and you feel better.”

James Bay – Fade Out

I absolutely love James Bay’s second album. The combination of his gritty songwriting with more electronic production is refreshing and lively. This song, in particular, is what I listened to after being done with the SAT. I hated the SAT.

Kevin Abstract – Peach

One of my favorite songs of the year: The click-y percussion, acoustic guitar hits, and layered synth pads create a lovely atmosphere that Kevin Abstract, Dominic Fike, Joba, and Bearface all thrive upon.

Beach House – Silver Soul

Silver Soul is my go-to Beach House song. Their particular combination of ballad-writing and retro-sounding synthesizers and drum machines is definitely influential on my sound.

Billie Eilish – ilomilo

This track I think is one of the best examples of the forward-thinking production that is all over this record. The layered vocals in the chorus are ethereal, and each part of the minimalist beat stands out in its own eerie way.

Phoebe Bridgers – You Missed My Heart

The debut Phoebe Bridgers record has grown on me more and more since I first heard it around 2018. This track, in particular, stands out for its amazing lyrics. The imagery is so vivid and actually violent, greatly different from the soft melody and piano chords.

James Blake – Into The Red

James Blakes synthesis of traditional and electronic musical sounds is breathtaking in this song. The final chorus is one of the most tear-jerking pieces of music I think I have ever heard, ever.

Toro y Moi, Instupendo – 50-50

The mixing on 50-50 is great. Each element, from the boomy kick, to the reverb-y vocals that just spill all over the track, work well with each other and expand the futuristic sounding palette of sounds.

Flume, SOPHIE, KUČKA – Voices

I thought SOPHIE was just about perfect for an appearance on Flume’s glitchy, abrasive mixtape Hi This Is Flume. Her production is so particular I can make confident guesses as to which instruments came from her and which did not. The softness of her vocals plays well with the harshness of the instrumentals.

Bon Iver – 29 #Strafford APTS

My favorite example of Bon Iver’s relaxing songwriting paired with glitchy electronics. I saw them live while recovering from the flu specifically for this song. They did not play it. I threw up.

Frank Ocean – Moon River

Frank Ocean’s layered vocals that don’t exactly line up time-wise fit well with the darker take he has on this song. I also love the brooding, heavy guitars and the atmospheric outro.

Michael Andrew – YOU

Michael Andrew is a singer-songwriter I met in Los Angeles in 2018. I was blown away by his voice, and especially by his album atlasTELAMON. The production and writing really reminds of Julien Baker, in the best way possible.

Jacob Collier – Make Me Cry

As I expected it to be, Jacob Collier’s Tiny Desk performance was stellar. It introduced me to this tune. His jazzy chord changes and harmonies are perfect for the relaxing nature of this song.

Sounds like:

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Weekly Gems 79

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Reece – Too Much

Reece by Finn Peterson

Reece by Finn Peterson

Like many artists, Reece uses music as an emotional outlet, revealing a vulnerable side that blends perfectly with his alt-pop and R&B style.

His latest single, ‘Too Much’ is about learning to love yourself enough to let someone else go. Listen below.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean

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Luke Wylde & Rhea Robertson – Save Yourself

Luke Wylde & Rhea Robertson Save Yourself

Hip hop DJ-turned writer and producer. Luke Wylde, and Australian singer-songwriter Rhea Robertson, are both giving you the opportunity to face your demons and finally be honest about with your feelings in new song ‘Save Yourself’.

The combination of Robertson’s dreamy jazz undertones and alt-pop sounds with Wylde’s bluesy interlude makes for an enticing track.

Sounds like: Phantogram, Rag’n’Bone Man

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Golden Bantic – Simmer Down (Macious Remix)

Golden Bantic - Simmer Down (Macious Remix)

Manchester-based producer Macious has worked his magic again, this time on longterm friend and musician, Golden Bantic‘s indie tune, ‘Simmer Down’.

Putting a completely different spin on the track, Macious has lovingly converted ‘Simmer Down’ into a late-night disco frenzy full of looping electronica and tinges of glistening pop.

Sounds like: Lane 8, Rüfüs Du Sol, Henri

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Benji Lewis – Fast Forward

Benji Lewis - Fast Forward

If things are getting tired, change it up. Wise words from Los Angeles-based Benji Lewis indeed.

His nostalgic new single ‘Fast Foward’ is the first taste of a brand new five-track EP that Lewis has planned for release in early 2020, it features the slick production of Los Angeles artist Kid Froopy and it also comes with a visually stunning Chris Weigen-directed music video.

Sounds like: The 1975, The Kite String Tangle, Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure

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Nick Anthony – When I’m Gone (feat. Chloe Gendrow)

Nick Anthony

Artists these just seem to get younger and younger, and Nick Anthony at just 19-years of age has not only found success as a dance producer but soon realised that his talents have overflowed from dance into poppier, crossover sounds – which has become a sound distinctly his.

His latest, ‘When I’m Gone’, which features the vocal talents of Chloe Gendrow and taken from his forthcoming EP is the next chapter in his ever-evolving sound and sets and irrefutable mood.

Sounds like: Odesza

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Playlist: Dominique Tey

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Dominique Tey

Stockholm-based, dreamy pop artist Dominique Tey has just shared her highly anticipated ‘Heartstream’ EP.

The five-track release in part sees the artist in an even more tranquil and atmospheric light, as well as channelling more synth-heavy and dynamic electronica.

Dominique has put together a playlist for us, check it out below.

Björk – Yoga
I love Björk’s music and her ability to be her own artist. Throughout her career, she has stood her ground and refused to compromise when it comes to her unique vision. In my opinion, her music is as relevant today as it was ten years ago. And this song is one of many favorites.

Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
I really like the euphoric yet melancholic vibe in this song and I’m a real fan of Kevin Parkers melodies and productions. Listening to ”Currents” never gets old.

Moses Sumney – Doomed
Sumneys has such a soulful voice, it’s so captivating, calming and silky smooth and the music and lyrics are very touching.

Barrie – Michigan
I just discovered Barrie, a indie pop band from Brooklyn. I really like their sound and vibe and this song is a favorite at the moment.

Frank Ocean – Ivy
I started listening to Frank Ocean when he first released channel ORANGE and I’ve been hocked every since. He’s a true genius in my opinon.

Nina Simone – Sinnerman
Nina Simone has been a big inspiration and I’ve listened to her a lot during my teens. I believe that she was ahead of her time in many ways. Not only did she create some of the greatest masterpieces but she also used her voice to advocate for the civil rights movement and took a stand for what she believed in.

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever
This song takes me back to my childhood. The Beatles was a favorite at home and their songs crack open the door to so many cherished memories.

Nancy Sinatra – Bang bang
I first started listening to Nancy when I was about thirteen and was captivated by her voice and her storytelling.

The Japanese House – Follow My Girl
The Japanese house have a way of combining funky rhythms with modern pop melodies witch I really like. I also have a soft sport for Brains a dreamy sound that really get me.

Sounds like: Shura, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, VÉRITÉ, Banks

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Playlist: Faradays

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Faradays

Faradays is the project of Dutch songwriter and physicist Karindra Perrier.

Her new EP ‘Memories’ is out now and to celebrate the release, Faradays has put together a playlist for us full of honest and vulnerable songwriters, taking inspiration from her fascination for time, the world, and life itself in both music and science.

Maggie Rogers – Alaska

This song grabbed me the first time I heard it because it has very personal vocals and distinct sounds, and yet it’s so catchy, I just wanna dance to it.

Wildhart – We Made up a Dream

The Swedish have such particular pronunciation and vocal timbre, I love it. Beautiful song.

Lorde – The Louvre

I’m a fan of the way Lorde delivers her kind of mainstream yet authentic songs. With this track particularly, I’m just obsessed with the underwater-like bridge with the lush vocals and melancholic melodies.

Flume, Kai – Never Be Like You

This track, it’s such a good hit. Way to ride those faders on the synths! And the variety in drum sounds with the carefully tailored beat, kind of genius to get your track lively like that with few elements. Plus the “never be like you” is just an undeniably good vocal hook.

St. Vincent – New York

St. Vincent has been an inspiration to me since forever. I guess I could have added almost any song by her in this list, and I almost added Cheerleader. But I chose the more recent New York, because it’s so epic and emotional.

ANIMA! – Moving Mountains

I really love that ascending melody in the chorus, and then how the groove takes off after, and back to the darker sounding verse with the lively synth bass. Contrasting parts that come together so harmoniously. Really good.

Frank Ocean – Solo

I was kind of late to discover Frank Ocean. But now I cannot go without. His songwriting is so inspiring, his lyrics, his imagery, the way his hooks work in surprising ways.

Ásgeir – Higher

I don’t listen to this song so often anymore, but when I was writing for our EP Memories I often went to this song for inspiration on a straightforward approach that leads to a magical warm vibe. The way the piano chords are elegantly dragging behind the beat makes this song doesn’t become inert or clunky.

Katie Dey – Fleas

This is so radically uncompromising. It’s strange. It’s sweet. It’s the weirdest bedroom pop, completely out there. I love it.

Klangstof – Sleaze

I’ll end with a fellow Dutchman, because I’m proud of all the beautiful music and awesome artist we have here in the Netherlands. This track of Klangstof is subdued and excited at the same time. And I highly recommend listening to more of their tracks.

Sounds like: CILVR, Bat for Lashes, The Japanese House

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