The new song from Paco Versailles is anything but ‘Black and White’.
Echoes of Andalusia can be heard within its instrumental interludes and chorus, while a Parisian French Touch provides the foundation that carries the story.
The name Paco Versailles was conceived while imagining a collaboration between the duo’s biggest influences – the legendary Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia and French electronic artists DaftPunk and Air, both products of the Parisian suburb of Versailles.
Full of fruity disco flair and tropical licks – aka “Dancemenco” – the luminous duo, led by Vahagni and Ryan Merchant (of Capital Cities), have spent the last year creating and establishing their original sound.
Sounds like: Friendly Fires, Capital Cities, LUXXURY, French Horn Rebellion, Miami Horror, Poolside
Rising Manchester four-piece Larkins recently dropped their highly-anticipated EP, ‘Hit and Run’ on Good Soldier Records.
It’s a finely-crafted mix of melodic futurism and vulnerability. We decided to have a chat with the guys ahead of their US tour to find out what’s going to be on their travelling playlist.
This is the outcome…
Khalid – Intro
Production-wise this is a pretty perfect track. Always feeling like it could kick in at any moment and it never does but still manages to bang. Incredible opening track to have on an album.
Gengahr – Icarus
Gengahr have completely taken up a level on this album. Produced by Jack Steadman from Bombay Bicycle Club, this track just makes your head move.
King Princess – Talia
Proper digging King Princess at the minute, love how this track goes from the laid back folky verse then hits you with the massive chorus. She’s proper pushing boundaries with her visuals as well, need to catch her live.
Whitney – Valleys (My Love)
Literally first heard Whitney for the first time a couple of weeks ago and fucking love them. Love how this track is kinda like a mellow Beach Boys without the harmonies on top of 70s acoustic folk with Bon Iver horns.
Friendly Fires – Pull Me Back To Earth
Whenever we’re trying to get a clean electric guitar sound in the studio we seem to reference this track. I remember when PALA came out and it blew my mind.
Jai Paul – Do You Love Her Now
Just absolute vibes. Again, that clean guitar sound is mad.
Foals – Spanish Sahara
Such an anthem. Seeing this track live and how the crowd reacts to it made me want to be in a band. The drop never fails to hype me up.
Bon Iver – Naeem
The vocal on this song is madness. The piano and the whole feel is just badass. Bon Iver can do no wrong. This album has been a massive reference point when we’re in the studio, especially when it comes to synth and drum sounds.
Bon Iver – 33 “GOD”
Another Bon Iver, 22 a million is top 5 best albums ever. The production on this track just blows the roof off. Cant even quite comprehend how good this track is. No idea what the lyrics mean but this track is just insanity.
Biffy Clyro – Different People
This song really marks two defining moments in Larkins career.
1. They opened with it when they headlined T in the park in Scotland and it seemed to be such an emotional moment for everyone there, it really made us realise that we wanted to do this.
2. Dom decided he wanted to be Simon and grew his hair really long.
Radiohead – Weird Fishes
In rainbows is such a monumental album and it was hard to choose one track but Weird Fishes really sums up Radiohead’s visionary blend of pop, rock and dance music.
Haim – Summer Girl
Such a great nod to the 60s with the Lou Reed sample but with such a modern LA vibe. We’d just got back from our first trip to LA when this came out and it proper seemed to sum up the city for us. The scene out there is so vibrant at the minute.
Khalid, Disclosure – Talk
Love this track. Another one we try to reference a little bit with the style of the synths and the drum sounds. The riff is so good.
US/UK Tour Dates
12 Mar – Toronto, The Monarch
13 Mar – New York, Pianos
14 Mar – Brooklyn, Elsewhere (Zone One)
18 Mar – Austin, Maggie Mae’s
19 Mar – Austin, Rainey Street
21 Mar – Austin, Broad Studios
21 Mar – Austin, Cedar Street Courtyard
24 Mar – Los Angeles, Moroccan Lounge
Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.
Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.
Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.
Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.
‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.
Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat
Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.
The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds
Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.
Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,
“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”
Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange
German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.
The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.
Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives
Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.
Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.
Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie
George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.
From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.
He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.
Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.
With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.
20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.
Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.
Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.
They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”
Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.
The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.
San Diego-based dream-pop band Inspired & The Sleep shares new single, ‘Getting Through’.
With an addictive piano-led melody throughout, ‘Getting Through’ tackles the moment when two formerly close individuals become disassociated and detached from each other.
Swedish feminist and LGBTQ advocate, Ellen Krauss shares her bright video for the country-tinged pop song, ‘On The Bus’; a story full of heartbreak that has a kind of teenage nostalgia to it.
Since the age of four, Ellen has been secretly writing songs in her room in Stockholm, or in South Africa where her family occasionally lived. This is the first song released via BMG Recorded Music through a new partnership with the indie label, Tiller Inc..
Taking cues from modern pop bands The 1975 and Pale Waves, Irish four-piece Milk. creates music that considers many genres, ranging from RnB, to electronic and pop.
The band’s new single ‘Temperature’, does exactly what it says on the tin – raises the heat in a reflection about the unity that’s felt between two people during sex.
Songwriter, producer, vocalist and budding-polymath Bevan shares ‘P.T.L’ featuring the luscious vocals of Holly Moore.
His experimental, disco-infused electronic project seems a far cry from teaching in the coastal town of Bournemouth. Inspired by track catchphrases in 80’s tunes, Bevan decided to create his own catchy number…’Part Time Lover’.
Sounds like: Friendly Fires, Midnight Pool Party, Ok Go, Roosevelt
Introducing super chilled out indie synth-pop trio, Couch Prints.
Originating in various apartments across the world and finally finding a home in Queens, New York, the song ‘Tell U’ reflects a feeling of transience and movement and leaving the past behind; whether that’s moving homes or ending a relationship or just changing yourself day by day.
So stop for a minute. Recline, listen, enjoy.
Sounds like: Porches, Men I Trust, Beach House, The Knife
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.
Kinship is the project of North London twosome Tom Butler and Dave Crawford.
Seeking inspiration from past and present electronic spheres, their debut release has a dance energy that works in contrast with its chilled out, minimalist production.
Sounds like: Elderbrook, Caribou, Odesza, Ry X, Kllo, Four Tet, Maribou State
Time to drift away from the dark and wintery nights onto a sun kissed sandy beach in Calfironia.
SUMif‘s goal with this track is to make you dance, regardless of whether you are at a desk or live show. She’s certainly done that – we can’t stop spinning around on our seats!
In case you haven’t met French producer Kazy Lambist before, let us introduce him to you again.
At just 20, Kazy Lambist is already doing what Joe Goddard has spent years perfecting. Now we are in no way dissing Joe (we are huge fans), but youth is definitely on Kazy’s side, helping him create some insane floor fillers in his (short) time on this planet (see below for his current release ‘Be Yourself’).
We asked Kazy Lambist to put together a playlist for us. Watch out, this one has serious positive vibes.
Charlotte Adigéry – 1,618 Rich sound textures produced by the Dewaele brothers on Soulwax’s label DEEWEE. I love Charlotte Adigéry’s maternal yet malicious voice! The whole EP is amazing.
Bergheim 34 – Random Access Memory
This song’s name sounds familiar today! Although this came out in 2003, it has a lot in common with Daft Punk as they both pay beautiful tributes to analog instruments and devices. I love the wistful vibe on this one.
Mount Kimbie – Delta
I’ve been a Mount Kimbie fan since their “Crooks & Lovers” EP. To me, that was one of the most beautiful electronica EPs ever made. They always stay true to their need to mix acoustic sounds with unexpected synthetic sounds and drum machines – therefore they create a creepy and peaceful mood that goes directly through your heart. When I start listening to Mount Kimbie, it just goes on repeat all day because I never want to get out of that deep atmosphere.
Jean Leloup – I Lost My Baby
I remember my parents listening to this track when we were living in Montreal, Canada. I was 9 at the time, but this song still moves me.
Anna Kova – Believe
Beautiful beat with simple and clean voice melodies. The verses don’t have much meaning, they are just there to lead us to the wonderful chorus – “Believe in yourself.” This chorus is just so touching. Those three words keep me captivated and it seems like her voice is about to crack at the end of every sentence. It is so simple and still it evokes so much. I love this track.
Bonobo – Silver
I’ve loved Bonobo’s music for at least 10 years and think I’ll never get bored of it. He is just the best at what is tastelessly called “lounge music” or “chill music.” So many artists have tried to copy his work, yet none of them have succeeded. His music is full of truth and kindness; he’s the most peaceful musician without having to sing a word.
Ian Pooley – Chord Memory (Daft Punk Remix)
My music engineer Julien Delfaud showed me this remix one day because we were looking for a big, electro-bass sound. I fell in love with this bass line. Daft Punk efficiency!
James Tillman – Missed Encounters
His voice is just so soft it’s unbelievable. Perfect to wake up and start a lazy sunday with a hangover
Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Joe Goddard, RAC, Ghost Beach, Goldroom, Zimmer, Jape, Penguin Prison, Hot Chip, Friendly Fires
Wildlife Festival returns for its third year at Shoreham Airport. Headed up by Disclosure and BlackButterRecords, expect this be the most fun year yet, not just because you now have an excuse to take the Friday off, but because the line up is quite simply awesome.
We’ve picked out our favourites, so you don’t have to. Check them out below.
ANNE-MARIE Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June
Essex-born artist, Anne-Marie, has had numerous hits over the last couple of years. With her sweet vocals (she performed in Les Miserables when she was younger) and urban swagger, we expect her performance to be very special indeed.
Sounds like: Zara Larsson, K-Stewart, Kiiara, Mabel
We’ve been following Cambridge collective, Clean Bandit since they began, so it’s with great excitement that we see them playing the big stage Wildlife Festival this year.
They have gone from strength to strength with their collaborations, including a couple of other Wildlife artists.
Was ‘Hold My Hand’ the best song of 2015? Quite possibly, but regardless, it was definitely the song that put Jess Glynne on the global map, with a number of remixes secured with some key contenders in the dance industry.
With her stunning vocal tone and energy, Jess will be headlining the festival on Friday. Bring it on!
Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson
Lovely Londoner, Liv Dawson, is one of our favourite newcomers from 2016.
The sound and emotional depth of the late teen prove that she is undeniably wise and confident beyond her years, and it’s therefore no wonder that she’s been picked to play Wildlife amongst such other great acts.
MURA MASA Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June
Electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan is Mura Masa.
He has a huge fan base (most, if not all of his singles have been used in various clothing adverts) and he is renowned for his glitchy production that incorporates Asian instruments, as well as incredible live shows.
Sounds like: Flume, Cashmere Cat, SBTRKT, FØRTE, The Knife
With a knack for choosing great vocalists, Rudimental are known for their bold, bassy and brassy sounds. In a massive contradiction to their name choice, this four-piece are anything basic.
They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.
Sounds like: Alex Clare, John Newman, Will Heard, MNEK, NIMMO, Leo Stannard, Oli Hannaford
SHY LUV Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June
Shy Luv is the project of Manchester based Karma Kid and Armeria.
‘Time’ follows on from their ‘Shock Horror’ EP, but it’s live where the duo showcase their diverse range of influences including LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy and Friendly Fires.
Sounds like: Honne, Disclosure, Tame Impala, Hot Chip, Jagwar Ma, SG Lewis, LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy, Friendly Fires
We wrote about Idaho-based Apsley (aka Jacob Apsley) earlier this year and we’re excited to share his latest release, ‘Fear’.
The track has more of an demanding tone than Sold, reminding us of an early The 1975 with its muted guitar riffs and echoey, falsetto vocals.
Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, SOHN, Aquilo, The 1975, Friendly Fires, Delphic, The Chain Gang of 1974, The Naked and Famous, H A R T E B E E S T, Tourist, Bastille, Great Good Fine Ok, Hurts, X&Y, Young Empires
Join Foreign Air on their soul-pop ride, driven by ‘Caffeine’.
We all know caffeine makes us feel good for a little while, but as the benefits wear off, we need another kick. It’s a little like love, which often becomes addictive but for the wrong reasons. It’s just what Foreign Air are singing about in their new track.
