British teen and born creative, Griff teams up with Honne on the sincere ‘1,000,000 X Better’. Once again tackling an array of important issues for generations, we say make some room Dua Lipa.
Ed Prosek‘s new single ‘Now and Then’ marks the first chapter in a compelling new story for the talented solo artist. Picking up the folks riffs from his roots, he looks ahead with a fondness towards growing old.
Rising Norwegian alt-pop production duo Jimmy Smash let us loose on their tranquil and groove-rich piece of electronic pop, ‘Under’. For fans anywhere between Jungle and Roosevelt.
Berlin-based Wolf & Moon shares ‘Eyes Closed’. In doing this invigorates some sort of superpower, according to the duo, an ability to awaken the senses that were once sleeping. Try it for yourself.
Sounds Like: James Vincent McMorrow, Lea Porcelain, Xul Zolar, The xx, Bryde
‘Take Your Time’ and smell the flowers. That’s the message in Beau Turrentine‘s latest song, with its woozy and enticing demeanour that channels sweet and blissful dream-pop tones. It’s out now via Terrible Records.
Chillhum shares ‘Waste My Time’ featuring a vocal duet with Devyn Sawyer. It’s another slice of intricate and experimental bedroom pop with acoustic-electric R&B from the budding singer-songwriter/guitarist/producer.
Ed Prosek takes an unexpected turn and shows us his creative vision in his video for new single, ‘Make It Easy’. As talented as Ed Prosek may be, the star of this particular feature is no doubt Nino – a small white dog which you can’t help but stare at. We cannot 100% confirm the breed, sorry! The video features Nino singing the song in its entirety, allowing a sense of fun into a deeply personal lyric.
The record itself occupies a unique space between soulful singer-songwriter and pop artist, Jack Garrett. An obvious appeal to this record is the outstanding vocal talent Ed possesses, summoning us with a soulful and powerful tonal edge. This is of course occupied by the undeniable writing talents of the British native.
Expect his EP ‘Flesh & Blood Part Two’ to be released in the summer.
Sounds like: Jack Garratt, Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
Introducing the new project by Pietro Filippone – aka uomo.
His latest release, ‘All I Hear’, is the first song that Filippone has written by himself for the project. A decent bit of autotune in there, the softer house elements give the song a gorgeously gentle uplift.
Sounds like: Henry Green, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Hayden James, Elderbrook
Bristol-based quartet Tungz combines effortless funk riffs with infectious vocal melodies and indie-pop sounds in new single, ‘Can’t We Just Be Friends Again’, out now via Heist or Hit.
It speaks of the confusion and the weird frustration that comes with wanting to snap back to being happy with someone you’ve only ever really been cool with before.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, Christine & The Queens, Patawawa, Bamily
DJ and producer Amtrac has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning British musician, DJ and producer Alex Metric on vocals in new single, ‘So Afraid’.
Looping vocals contemplate a simple question, “why you so afraid of love?” as Alex Metric’s breathy, enunciated voice lends an edge to the droning synths beneath, forming a steady crescendo of sound and passion that blooms.
UK duo Dirty Nice releases ‘100,000 Heartbeats’. A synth-wave pop at the core, it’s the perfect counterpart to the more lo-fi B-side, ‘Love Team’.
Originally presented as a special Valentines Day release, Dirty Nice sent a number of personalised cards to fans. Continuing this theme on their Instagram, an intergalactic cartoon epic has unfolded with a new card revealed every day.
Sounds like: Elder Island, Camel Power Club, Gorillaz, Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical
Norwegian native, singer/songwriter and producer Rebekka Danielsson – aka EKKO – shares the visuals for ‘Off My Mind’.
Highly energetic, glorious pop with addictive melodic hooks and immaculate production this tune ticks all the boxes to be a serious club anthem and floor filler.
Expect her debut EP ‘Symptoms’ out later in the year.
Sounds like: Tove Lo, Chelsea Lankes, Allie X, ALMA, Kim Petras
Rising Danish pop songstress ELBA is making waves.
Starting her musical journey in the local choir at the age of six, it was clear her destiny was singing. Her new single ‘Remember Me’ showcases her powerful vocal range, and perfectly fits with the electro-pop production.
The Norweigan artists are smashing it this week, and it’s truly great to see Emilie Nicolas return.
Showing a new side to her music – less “cool pop” and more reflective – ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’ is centred around the difficulties of letting go of a relationship, succinctly capturing despair, unbridled joy, and the desire to dance.
Stockholm siblings Alva & August Heldt are The Endorphins.
As their name suggests, their feel-good future pop is set to induce endorphins. As they put it – “It’s about love, friendship, parties and sex“, and what’s wrong with that!
Listen to self-expressive ‘Dead Or Alive’ below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet
Born in California, but spending equal time in both Brighton and Berlin, Prosek has an innate ability to create explorative songs with honest vocals and intimate lyrics, which is no surprise since he has been mentored by the legendary producer Rupert Hine (Stevie Nicks, Rush).
His new single ‘I Was Wrong’ takes a slightly different direction to his former releases, and sees Prosek delving into his musical origins, all with a sweet glimmer of sounds reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit, which will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eyes.
Expect a six track EP in Spring 2019.
Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo
The ever-poetic KEELS has just shared his new track, the unapologetically hook-driven ‘Prison Walls’, ahead of his sold out show at St Pancras Old Church on the 27 April.
KEELS has put together a playlist for us, perfect for a Monday morning coffee break.
The National – Hard To Find
Beautiful track I can listen to when in so many moods.
Birdy – Keeping Your Head Up
Great uplifting vocals
AC/DC – Thunderstruck
This track never fails to get me ready for action.
Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69
When summer is in the air this track is a winner.
Ariana & The Rose – Supercool
Really like this relatively unknown track.
Dua Lipa – Blow Your Mind (Mwah)
This girls got attitude I like
Circa Waves – T-Shirt Weather
Seen these guys live a few times and they are great. Again another seasonal track.
Vance Joy – Fire and the Flood
Great moody track.
Lumineers – Ophelia
Love this.
Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in The Dark
Always have to have a few classics in the playlist and who better than the Boss to have on play.
Sounds like: Keane, Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Coldplay, Young Guns, Bon Iver, The National, Birdy, Ben Howard, Jack Savoretti
Time for some poetic music from KEELS (aka Niall Keels, formerly of Empire Divide).
A newcomer on the singer/songwriter scene, KEELS fits nicely in place amongst the likes of FrightenedRabbit and Coldplay with his radio ready, but thought provoking material.
Listen to the wintery tune, ‘Surrender’ below.
‘Surrender’ is out on 2 December.
Sounds like: Keane, Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Coldplay, Young Guns, Bon Iver, The National, Birdy, Ben Howard
It’s time you listened to ‘Oh My God’ by Melbourne-based producer and vocalist, Owen Rabbit (aka Owen Reese).
Owen is starting to become a household name in his native land and further afield. He completely embraces a pure folktronica sound, offering up slightly off-key, but mesmerising vocals alongside some seriously poetic lyrics.
Owen Rabbit will be releasing his debut EP titled ‘One’, alongside a tour (details below).
Europe
TUE 29 NOV | POPANZ, KÖLN GER
SAT 3 DEC | FTT, DÜSEELDOFF GER
SUN 4 DEC | AUSTER CLUB, BERLIN GER
TUE 6 DEC | MÜNCHEN, FEIERWERK, GER
WED 7 DEC | SINGERHAUS, BASEL CH
THU 8 DEC | WINTERCAMP FESTIVAL, BORDEAUX FRA
FRI 9 DEC | WINTERCAMP FESTIVAL, PARIS FRA
WED 14 DEC | AMBOSS RAMPE, ZÜRICH CH
Australia
FRI 30 DEC | JIMMYS DEN, PERTH WA
WED 25 JAN | THE MILK FACTORY, BRISBANE QLD
FRI 27 JAN | THE RECORD CRATE, SYDNEY NSW
SAT 28 JAN | LASS O’GOWRIE, NEWCASTLE NSW
FRI 3 FEB | THE WORKERS CLUB, MELBOURNE VIC
Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, SAFIA, Boo Seeka, JOY
Music is in the blood of Glaswegian Smash Williams; a brand new project from Gordon Skene (Frightened Rabbit) and Stuart Dougan (French Wives).
Smash Williams is reasonably new onto the music scene, yet the duo have been received praise from some top dogs in the industry. Their latest track ‘Astronaut’ has heartfelt vocals synonymous with their former music lives, but the “folkness” seems to have diminished, and replaced with a happier prowess.
Smash Williams will be making their live debut tomorrow night for Line of Best Fit’s Five Day Forecast at London’s Lexington.
Sounds like: Editors, White Lies, Interpol, Maxïmo Park, BLØSH, Spector
